LOT #3119 |
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1842 50C PR66 NGC. WB-101. ...
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Sold on Aug 26, 2025 for:
$48,000.00
Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder
Description
1842 Small Date Half Dollar, Exceptional PR66
The Finest Known Proof
Ex: Pittman-Kaufman-Gardner
1842 50C PR66 NGC. WB-101. Ex: Pittman-Kaufman. This
spectacular 1842 Small Date proof half dollar is the finest of
eight different examples known to us. Like the 1842 proof quarter,
there is some indication that a Large Date proof half dollar
variety was also struck. The only reference to a Large Date half
dollar that we are aware of appears in Walter Breen's Proof
Encyclopedia, there described "Unverified. Cf.
Brand-Lichtenfels I: 2812, impaired." We examined that catalog,
where lot 2812 headlines a "Rare 1842 Large Date Proof Half
Dollar," and describes it as a Brilliant Proof. The coin was
unplated, undoubtedly leading to Breen's notation "Unverified."The present Small Date coin's obverse die exhibits mild repunching of all four date numerals, most prominent on the 42. The combination of full strike, beautiful toning, and immaculately preserved surfaces adds up to exquisite eye appeal -- perhaps even understated by the Premium Gem numerical grade. This PR66 proof displays iridescent aqua-blue hues that grace the peripheries, turning to a delicate blend of violet and russet in the centers. The palette is nearly uniform on both sides; inarguably, a beautiful characteristic that is difficult to locate on early proofs such as this. The surfaces are virtually flawless, entirely free of hairlines or even the most microscopic of pedigree-determining marks. NGC and PCGS combined report a total of nine 1842 proof half dollars, with the Pittman-Kaufman-Gardner PR66 NGC leading the list. NGC also reports one PR65, one PR64, and one PR62. PCGS shows three PR64s (including one PR64+). These numbers may include one duplication, however, as only eight different 1842 proof half dollars are believed extant, with one in the ANS Collection and one resides uncertified in the Smithsonian (7/25).
Roster of 1842 Small Date Proof Half Dollars:
1. PR66 NGC. R. Green (11/29/1946); John Jay Pittman (David Akers, 5/1998), lot 1524; Philip Kaufman Collection (Heritage, 4/2008), lot 2381; Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part I (Heritage, 6/2014), lot 30527; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2015), lot 4142. The present coin.
2. PR64+ PCGS CAC. Norweb Collection (Bowers and Merena, 11/1988), lot 3131; Phil Kaufman; Rarities Sale (Bowers and Merena, 8/1999), lot 201; Central States Numismatic Society (Heritage, 5/2003), lot 6776; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2006), lot 3197; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2013), lot 5656; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2020), lot 4210.
3. PR64 PCGS. Eliasberg Collection (Bowers and Merena, 4/1997), lot 1922; Pre-Long Beach Sale (Goldbergs, 1/2015), lot 1399.
4. PR64 PCGS. World's Greatest Collection; F.C.C. Boyd; 1946 ANA (Numismatic Gallery, 8/1946), lot 816; Stack's (3/1965), lot 443; Richmond Collection (David Lawrence, 3/2005), lot 1787; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2012), lot 3246; ANA National Money Show (Kagin's, 3/2018), lot 1244).
5. PR64 NGC. Oscar Schilke proof set; Paul Kagin; Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2012), lot 5002; Spring Showcase Auction (Stack's Bowers, 4/1/2025), lot 3057.
6. PR60. Superior (10/2000), lot 4373. Superior catalogers note that this coin has a "Reverse die crack ... from edge of wing to denticles between IC of AMERICA. Minor hairlines and signs of handling."
7. Proof. American Numismatic Society Collection.
8. Proof. Smithsonian Institution.
From The High Oak Family Collection.
Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 27T4, PCGS# 6386, Greysheet# 6389)
Weight: 13.36 grams
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
View all of [The High Oak Family Collection ]
Auction Info
2025 August 26 - 31 ANA US Coins Signature® Auction #1385 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
August, 2025
26th-31st
Tuesday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 20
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 278
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
20% of the successful bid per lot.
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