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1855 50C PR66 NGC....

Lot: 2397, Auction: 2008 April Rosemont, IL (CSNS) Signature Coin Auction #1104

Sold for: $51,750.00 (includes BP )
Bid Source: Internet
Ended: Apr 16, 2008
Item Activity: 4 Internet/mail bidders
749 page views

Description:

Captivating 1855 Normal Date Half Dollar, PR66
The Finest Known Example

1855 50C PR66 NGC. Ex: P. Kaufman. The Kaufman 1855 proof half dollar is the finest known Normal Date specimen. Previous researchers differ on the number of surviving specimens. Randy Wiley and Bill Bugert, in their Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Half Dollars, suggest possibly 20 Normal Date pieces are known, while Walter Breen (1988) says there may be 12 coins extant.
We feel that the above estimates of 1855 Normal Date proof half dollar survivors are somewhat high. NGC and PCGS have certified seven examples, and an analysis of auction appearances of which we are aware results in five separate specimens, and two additional coins that may be duplicates. Readers should be aware that we are unable to locate auction appearances of three PCGS-graded pieces, two with Cameo designations; moreover, some Normal Date coins were likely described as 1855/54 proof halves, and vice versa, in previous catalog appearances:

1. PR66 NGC. The Kaufman coin
. Baltimore '93 Auction (Superior, 7/1993), lot 427, but unlisted as such on the NGC insert.
2. PR65 NGC. John Jay Pittman (David Akers, 5/1998), lot 1549; Richmond Sale III (David Lawrence Rare Coins, 3/2005), lot 1798.
3. PR65 NGC. Pre-Long Beach Elite Auction (Superior, 5/2003), lot 2574
4. PR63 NGC. Pre-Long Beach (Superior, 10/2000), lot 4397.
5. PR62 NGC. Pre-Long Beach (Superior, 10/2000), lot 4398. Catalogers say Ex Harry W. Bass, Jr. specimen.

Additional Appearances
A. Gem Brilliant Proof. Empire State Collection (Stack's, 1/1997), lot 577.
B. Brilliant Proof. Reed Hawn Collection (Stack's, 8/1973), lot 185.
C. Proof. Brand-Lichtenfels I (Kreisberg-Schulman, 2/1961), lot 1840.

A captivating array of iridescent yellow-gold, sky-blue, lavender, crimson, and orange-gold patination adorns the Cameo-like obverse of the Premium Gem Kaufman half, while a ring of turquoise clings to the reverse borders, changing to dappled tan-gray and turquoise in the central areas. An attentive strike sharpens the design features, save for minor softness in a couple of the star centers. Close inspection reveals both sides to be devoid of mentionable marks. A shallow unpolished area, as minted, between the D of DOL. and the branch stem and a toning spot between star 5 and Liberty's shoulder enabled us to pedigree the Kaufman.
From The Phil Kaufman Collection of Early Seated Proof Sets, Part Three. (#6408)

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Guides and Pricing Information:


Previous Prices from Heritage Auctions

Lot Date Grade Service Realized
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PLEASE NOTE: All prices realized reflect the final hammer price PLUS the buyer's premium in auctions that charge a buyer's premium. Each item has a notation at the top of the listing indicating whether that lot included a buyer's premium. All information listed is intended to be as accurate as possible, but errors are possible. Please use this guide carefully and inform us of any inaccuracies.

Price Guide*

Grade Coin World
(Coin Values)
Numismedia
Retail
Numismedia
Wholesale
Numismedia
NGC (nmn)
Numismedia
PCGS (nmp)
PCGS
Price Guide
65 $40,000 $40,630 $32,500 $29,000 $29,500 $42,500
66 $55,000 $64,680 $49,750 $44,500 $45,500 ---
67 --- --- --- --- --- ---
*All information listed is intended to be as accurate as possible, but errors are possible. No item may be returned or refused based on this information which is provided as a service to our customers. You should contact each pricing source directly to determine the accuracy of this information.

Population Guide

Service Grade Population in this Grade Population of Higher Grade Population in All Grades Mintage Engraver
PCGS 66 0* 0* 1 12 Christian Gobrecht
NGC 66 1 0 4
*This information is provided and owned by PCGS. Its display and use are subject to the licensed agreement between PCGS and Heritage Auction Galleries.

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Proof Seated Half Dollars, 1855 50C PR66 NGC....


Proof Seated Half Dollars, 1855 50C PR66 NGC....


Proof Seated Half Dollars, 1855 50C PR66 NGC....


Proof Seated Half Dollars, 1855 50C PR66 NGC....

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