1825 50C PR62 PCGS. O-113, R.8 as a Proof....

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1825 O-113 Half Dollar, PR62
Extremely Rare Proof
Underrated in the Past

1825 50C PR62 PCGS. O-113, R.8 as a Proof. In the autumn 2012 revision of his early half dollar auction analysis, Stephen Herrman records four appearances of the 1825 O-113 half in proof, with four other appearances of 1825 O-116 proof half dollars. However, the eight auction appearances represent only two different coins, and one of those is now considered a Prooflike Mint State piece. The PCGS Population Report shows two examples certified PR62, possibly representing a resubmission of this piece, and the NGC Census Report shows one example certified PR66. More research is necessary; however, we believe that only two or three proof 1825 half dollars exist.
The Queller O-113 was called proof when offered in a January 1974 Stack's auction, but that firm reclassified the coin as a presentation or specimen strike in its October 2002 sale of the Queller Collection. The Byers O-116 half dollar, called proof in the past, is NGC-certified as MS64 Prooflike and is likely not a proof. That coin appeared in: Lester Merkin (2/1971), lot 703; Stack's (3/1996), lot 364; Byers Collection (Stack's, 10/2006), lot 1059; Stack's (3/2007), lot 808; Bowers and Merena (1/2008), lot 195.
Walter Breen described several proof 1825 half dollars in his Proof Encyclopedia. However, with the exception of the Byers coin, none of the pieces that Breen recorded have been seen since before the 1970s, and are doubted today. He specifically mentioned a coin owned by Eric Newman that might be a proof, and he also mentioned a piece owned by a "New York State specialist" who was John Jay Pittman. Only two 1825 half dollars appeared in the Pittman sales, both graded AU.
The fields are fully mirrored with no indication of mint luster, framing the sharply defined portrait and eagle, while the peripheral details including the stars, letters, and eagle's claws are lightly impressed. Attractive cobalt-blue, olive, and rose-gold toning appears on each side.
Ex: Skiles Collection (Mid-American, 5/1986), lot 910; FUN Sale (Mid-American, 1/1987), lot 1513; Boys Town Sale (Superior, 5/1990), lot 3796; Long Beach Signature Sale (Heritage, 5/2008), lot 606.
From The Greensboro Collection, Part II.

Coin Index Numbers: (PCGS# 6202, Greysheet# 6181)

Weight: 13.48 grams

Metal: 89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper

View all of [The Greensboro Collection, Part II ]

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