1856 B-1 C-SO2, R.6, PR64+ Red and Brown PCGS. Our EAC Grade PR63. CAC. ...

Click the image to load the highest resolution version.

Sold on Aug 22, 2022 for:

$10,800.00 Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder

Get one of these:

Share this lot

Track Item Printable Auction Results

Sell One of These

Description

Auction Info

Guides & Info

Description

1856 B-1 Half Cent, PR64+ Red and Brown
Among the Ten Finest Certified

1856 B-1 C-SO2, R.6, PR64+ Red and Brown PCGS. Our EAC Grade PR63. CAC. Equivalents. Empire-129; Cohen-SO2; Breen-1, BW-1a.

Rarity. PCGS suggests that 200 or more 1856 proof half cents are known, despite having certified just 42 examples. Their data is for all variants of the date. For the B-1 variety, the Breen-Hanson Condition Census records 10 examples, as does Richard T. Coleman, Jr. We provide an R.6 rating, although that is subject to further investigation.

Obverse 1. Christian Gobrecht's Braided Hair design of 1840 (now dated 1856) is described at lot 3129.

Reverse A. The die state with a rust pit at the top center of the I in UNITED that Breen described in 1854 as his Reverse B.

Edge. Plain.

Surfaces. A lovely Choice proof, this late Braided Hair issue exhibits mirrored surfaces that retain mostly original orange mint color on the obverse. The reverse is intermingled mint red, sky-blue, and light purple.

Die State. The usual die state with a prominent rust pit on the I in UNITED.

Appearances. Plated in the August 1998 Bowers and Merena catalog.

PCGS Population (6/2022). In all grades, PCGS has certified 42 proof 1856 half cents. Those coins include five graded PR64 Red and Brown, two PR64+ Red and Brown, and seven numerically finer submissions.

Commentary. While we know today that the reverse with a rust pit on the I of UNITED is a die state rather than a different reverse die, Walter Breen stated that they are different dies and created additional varieties in his enumeration. This die was used for circulation strikes, proofs, and copper-nickel trial pieces.

McGuigan Commentary. Choice fully reflective surfaces with slightly mellowed mint red color on the obverse and iridescent blue toning on the reverse.

Provenance. Ex: Bowers and Merena (8/1998), lot 11.

Personality. The numismatic partnership of Q. David Bowers and Raymond N. Merena, Bowers and Merena Galleries was organized in 1983 as the successor to Bowers and Ruddy. Located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, the firm conducted many important auctions and operated a sales department, issuing the Rare Coin Review on a periodic basis. The three Norweb sales, two Eliasberg sales, and four Harry Bass sales rank among the most important auctions of the 20th century. Bowers and Merena was sold to Collectors Universe in 2000, relocated to Louisiana in 2003, was resold to Spectrum Numismatics, and relocated to California in 2004. The firm continued to conduct auctions until 2010.
From The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection. (Registry values: P1)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26ZX, PCGS# 1330, Greysheet# 688)

Weight: 5.44 grams

Metal: 100% Copper

More Information:

Special Terms for the McGuigan Collection:
12 equal monthly payments with 3% APR interest starting at Day 46. Invoice released when invoice is paid in full.
or
6 equal monthly payments with interest at 6% APR starting at Day 46. Invoice released within certain limits. Please contact the Heritage Credit Department at CreditDept@HA.com prior to the auction.