1839-O 50C PR62 NGC....

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Historic PR62 1839-O Half Dollar

1839-O 50C PR62 NGC. Substantially rarer than the 1838-O proof half dollars are the similarly designed 1839-O proof halves. About a dozen of the former are known, but only about five of the latter are known. While the 1838-O is a celebrated rarity in American numismatics, the 1839-O proof is only recognized by a small number of specialists.
The 1838-O and 1839-O proof halves show a remarkable number of similarities. Both were apparently struck in proof format at about the same time in early 1839. Both have the popular Obverse Mintmark style only produced in those two years, making them a two-year subtype. There is no record of proof coins being struck of either year, in keeping with typical Mint practice of the era. Of course, an obvious difference is that, while the 1838-O halves were only struck in proof to the extent of about 20 pieces, with 11 pieces known today, the 1839-O halves are even rarer in proof format, with only four or five pieces known. Despite their greater rarity, the proof 1839-O halves are relatively unknown to the numismatic community, perhaps because of a fairly large production of 1839-O business strikes.
The present example is deeply toned steel-blue, intermingled with dark tan around the devices. The underlying fields are fully reflective, and all of the design elements are boldly defined. Struck in coin turn. A few scattered surface marks and faint hairlines are evident on each side, accounting for the assigned numerical grade, yet the eye appeal remains strong. An important opportunity for the discerning collector of branch mint proofs.
From The Joseph C. Thomas Collection.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 27SS, PCGS# 6227, GSID# 6225)

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Cooper
Weight: 13.36 grams
ASW: 0.38658oz

View all of [The Joseph C. Thomas Collection, Part One ]

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