1838 50C PR64 PCGS. GR-14....

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1838 Reeded Edge Half Dollar, PR64
Only Four Proofs Known
Recently Discovered Example

1838 50C PR64 PCGS. GR-14. This is only the second distinct example of the proof 1838 half dollar we have ever offered, and it is from a different die pair than the other example, formerly in the Pittman Collection, which is attributed as GR-1. Attributions are from A Registry of Die Varieties of Reeded Edge Half Dollars 1836-1839, published by Dick Graham in July 2012. Only three or four proofs are known, and we believe this example is the second finest of those pieces. One of the four proofs in our roster has not been seen since 1962 and may or may not be a true proof, if it can even be found today. The reverse of this near-Gem proof has a heavy die crack through HAL, the olive leaves and wing tip, continuing through the base of many letters in the legend. For comparison, the Pittman specimen has a perfect reverse and the Reed Hawn specimen is cracked like this piece.

Roster of 1838 Proof Reeded Edge Half Dollars
1. GR-1 PR66 PCGS. Howard Newcomb (J.C. Morgenthau, 5/1945), lot 850; Wayte Raymond (5/1946); John Jay Pittman (David Akers, 5/1998), lot 1513; Bowers and Merena (8/2000), lot 4114; Bowers and Merena (7/2002), lot 301.
2. GR-14 PR64 PCGS. Obtained by a European noble while visiting this country in the middle 19th century and retained by the same family until the present time. The present specimen.
3. GR-14 PR64 NGC. Apparently later recertified as PR64 PCGS. Reed Hawn (Stack's, 8/1973), lot 120; Long Beach Connoisseur (Bowers and Merena, 8/1999), lot 199.
4. GR-13 Proof. Virgil Brand; Kreisberg-Schulman (2/1961); R.E. Cox, Jr. (Stack's, 4/1962), lot 1871. The current location of the Brand-Cox specimen is unknown. It is possible that this is also GR-14, although attribution is uncertain without actual inspection.

This impressive piece has full brilliance with satin luster on the silver-white devices and deeply mirrored fields on both sides. Only a hint of delicate champagne toning graces the surfaces. Here is a remarkable and rare proof Reeded Edge Capped Bust half dollar for the advanced collector. Population: 2 in 64, 1 finer (3/14).(Registry values: N14284)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 27SR, PCGS# 6225, Greysheet# 6222)

Weight: 13.36 grams

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Cooper

View Certification Details from PCGS