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1846 H10C PR67 NGC....
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Sold on Feb 4, 2014 for:
$44,062.50
Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder
Description
1846 Seated Half Dime, PR67
Rare Early Proof
Finest Known Example
1846 H10C PR67 NGC. This extraordinary 1846 proof half dime,
which was once part of Phil Kaufman's collection and displays
outstanding technical quality and aesthetic appeal, is the finest
known of approximately 11 specimens. The most recent population
figures reveal that NGC and PCGS have certified nine specimens in
all grades. The former service has graded the current PR67, three
PR66 coins, and one each PR65, PR64, and PR63. PCGS has seen a PR65
and a PR64 (12/13).Walter Breen writes in his 1989 Proof Encyclopedia that the 1846 proof half dime was first publicized by Max Mehl in the Will Neil sale (number 8 in the following roster) as a "new and exceedingly rare variety--presumably after Neil's own notes. Mehl there claimed it had been unknown (i.e., unrecognized) until about 1945." Breen retorts, however, that "specimens had been pictured earlier."
Breen, in his 1988 Complete Encyclopedia suggests that 14 to 18 1846 proof half dimes possibly survive. Al Blythe (1992) estimates 10 to 12 pieces.
Our research suggests that Breen's estimate of 1846 proof half dime survivors is somewhat high. The following roster summarizes our findings. Some entries are possible duplicates, as the photo quality varies significantly among catalogs, making plate-matching difficult:
Roster of 1846 Proof Seated Liberty Half Dimes
1. PR67 NGC. Phil Kaufman; Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2008), lot 2383, realized $63,250; the present coin.
2. PR66 NGC. ANA National Money Show (Bowers and Merena, 4/2005), lot 385. The cataloger indicates a pedigree marker near star 1 and after star 13.
3. PR66 NGC. Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 9/2002), lot 687; Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 2/2003), lot 6190. The cataloger notes a lint mark below Liberty's raised arm.
4. PR66 NGC. Auction Sale (M.H. Bolender, 3/1956), lot 1230; Floyd T. Starr (Stack's, 10/1992), lot 326; Lexington Collection (Bowers and Merena, 1/1994), lot 1125; Baltimore '93 (Superior, 7/1993), lot 150.
5. PR65 PCGS. Richard B. Winsor Collection (S.H. & H. Chapman, 12/1895), lot 775; John G. Mills Collection (S.H. & H. Chapman, 4/1904), lot 1198; J.M. Clapp; Clapp Estate, 1942; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Eliasberg Collection, Part I (Bowers and Merena, 5/1996), lot 966; Baltimore Auction (Stack's Bowers, 11/2011), lot 1056.
6. PR65 NGC. John Jay Pittman (David Akers, 5/1998), lot 1712; Rarities Sale (Bowers and Merena, 1/2000), lot 80; Pre-Long Beach Sale (Superior, 10/2000), lot 4324; Pre-Long Beach Sale (Goldberg Coins, 6/2002), lot 2062. David Akers indicates that the Pittman half dime was part of an original proof set housed in its original presentation case of issue, and is identified by a small scratch between stars 2 and 3.
7. PR64 PCGS. FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/1998), lot 6651; Pre-Long Beach Sale (Superior, 10/2000), lot 4325.
8. PR64. World's Greatest Collection; F.C.C. Boyd (Numismatic Gallery, 5/1945), lot 239; Will W. Neil (B. Max Mehl, 6/1947), lot 1613; Floyd T. Starr (Stack's, 10/1992), lot 327.
9. PR63 NGC. Richmond Collection, Part III (David Lawrence Rare Coins, 3/2005), lot 1087.
10. PR60 PCGS. Whitney P. Sunderland (Bowers and Merena, 3/1994), lot 1025.
11. Proof. Smithsonian Institution.
Magnificent cobalt-blue toning accented with lavender occupies the centers of both sides of the present coin, and is flanked by soft champagne-beige color. Mirrored fields highlight the devices, especially on the obverse, and a powerful strike leaves uniform and virtually complete delineation on the design features. A faint lint mark is located between Liberty's ankle and star 13. Immaculately preserved surfaces reveal no other pedigree identifiers. Advanced collectors will recognize this unique opportunity to acquire an extremely rare and delightful Seated Liberty proof half dime that is the finest known.
From The Greensboro Collection, Part VI.(Registry values: P3)
Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 235E, PCGS# 4422, Greysheet# 3869)
Weight: 1.34 grams
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
View all of [The Greensboro Collection, Part VI ]
Auction Info
2014 February 3 - 5 US Coins Signature Auction - New York #1202 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
February, 2014
3rd-5th
Monday-Wednesday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 11
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,679
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
17.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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