1843 50C PR64 PCGS. CAC....

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Description

1843 Seated Liberty Half, PR64
Only Six to Eight Examples Known
Ex: Pittman

1843 50C PR64 PCGS. CAC. This attractive Choice proof exhibits sharply detailed design elements, with a partial wire rim and a bisecting reverse die crack that runs from the rim at 12 o'clock, between E and S in STATES, downward through the eagle, and through the left serif of F in HALF. Vivid shades of blue, russet, gold, and violet toning enhance the lightly marked surfaces, and the deeply mirrored fields contrast noticeably with the frosty devices. Few examples can match the technical quality and visual appeal of this remarkable specimen.

Variety: The diagnostic reverse die crack identifies this proof-only issue, according to David Akers.

Population Data (7/14): PCGS shows three coins in proof format, one in PR63, this coin in PR64, and a single piece in PR65 Cameo. NGC also reports three, two in PR63 and one in PR65.

Heritage Commentary: The 1843 proof Seated Liberty half dollar is a very rare issue with a surviving population of six to eight pieces in all grades. One of those examples is impounded in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution. This coin is probably the second or third finest known and traces its history back to the famous John Jay Pittman Collection, where it was part of a complete copper, silver, and gold proof set of the date, including the original case. Remarkably, Pittman owned another example of the 1843 proof half dollar, which was offered as a single coin in David Akers' 1997 sale of his collection. The finest known example, the coin from the Phil Kaufman Collection, has recently been crossed over from PR66 Cameo NGC to PR65 Cameo PCGS. A roster of all coins known to us is included below. This coin will be a welcome addition to the finest collection or Registry Set.

Roster of 1843 Proof Seated Liberty Half Dollars
1. PR65 Cameo PCGS. Dr. Christian Allenburger Collection (B. Max Mehl, 3/1948), lot 1013; R.T. McPherson Collection (Stack's, 2/1953), lot 924; Charles A. Cass; Empire Collection (Stack's, 11/1957), lot 1361; Phil Kaufman Collection (Heritage, 7/2008), lot 1809; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2013), lot 5657; Chicago Signature (Heritage, 8/2013), lot 5640.
2. PR64 NGC. Judge Joseph F. Sawicki; purchased by John Jay Pittman (5/10/1948); Pittman Collection (Akers, 10/1997), lot 832, part of a complete 1843 gold, silver, and minor proof set; Richmond Collection (David Lawrence, 3/2005), lot 1788; Treasures of the S.S. New York (Stack's, 7/2009), lot 579. The present coin.
3. PR64 NGC. Numismatic Gallery; purchased by John Jay Pittman (6/1947); Pittman Collection (David Akers, 5/1998), lot 1527; Rarities Sale (Bowers and Merena, 7/2002), lot 305; Pre-FUN Sale (Superior, 1/2004), lot 385; George "Buddy" Byers Collection (Stack's, 10/2006), lot 1126; Central States Signature (Heritage, 5/2007), lot 2137; Pre-Long Beach Sale (Ira and Larry Goldberg, 2/2008), lot 2179.
4. Brilliant Proof. World's Greatest Collection (Numismatic Gallery, 3/1945), lot 261; Adolph Friedman; 1946 ANA (Numismatic Gallery, 8/1946), lot 817; Berbert-Roe Collections (Stack's, 3/1965), lot 444; 1975 ANA Sale (Superior, 8/1975), lot 561; Paramount's Rare Coin List No. 15 (1977).
5. Brilliant Proof. Part of a complete gold, silver, and minor proof set sold in the Fernand David Collection in Amsterdam (circa 1930); purchased by an agent of B. Max Mehl; Frank Stoddard Collection; Mehl again; Colonel E.H.R. Green (1932); Green estate; probably Burdette G. Johnson; Mehl again; Will W. Neil Collection (B. Max Mehl, 6/1947), lot 2292; Amon Carter, Sr.; Amon Carter, Jr.; Amon Carter Family Collection (Stack's, 1/1984), lot 630.
6. Proof. Smithsonian Institution.

Other Appearances
A. Proof. Richard B. Winsor Collection (S.H. & H. Chapman, 12/1895), lot 1067, part of a complete gold, silver, and minor proof set, said to have been presented by President Tyler, possibly number 3 or number 5 above.
B. Proof. Peter Mougey Collection (Thomas Elder, 9/1910), lot 551.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 27T5, PCGS# 6387, Greysheet# 6392)

Weight: 13.36 grams

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

View Certification Details from PCGS