1843 50C PR65 Cameo PCGS. CAC....

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1843 PR65 Cameo Half Dollar
Perhaps Six Known, the Only Cameo

1843 50C PR65 Cameo PCGS. CAC. This exceptional 1843 proof half dollar is the finest known specimen, and the only one given the Cameo designation by NGC or PCGS. Opportunities to acquire any proof 1843 half dollar are extremely limited, and a chance to obtain the finest known may be a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence.

Our roster is consistent with estimates of previous researchers. Randy Wiley and Bill Bugert, in their Liberty Seated Half Dollars reference, suggest that less than six 1843 proof half dollars are known. Walter Breen, in his Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Proof Coins, lists six examples. Likewise, NGC and PCGS have certified a total of six coins.

Our research into auction appearances of the 1843 proof half dollar, along with that of previous catalogers, results in the following roster:

Roster of 1843 Proof Seated Liberty Half Dollars
1. PR65 Cameo PCGS. Dr. Christian Allenburger Collection (B. Max Mehl, 3/1948), lot 1013; R.T. McPherson Collection (Stack's, 2/1953), lot 924; Charles A. Cass; Empire Collection (Stack's, 11/1957), lot 1361; Phil Kaufman Collection (Heritage, 7/2008), lot 1809. The present coin.
2. PR64 NGC. Numismatic Gallery; purchased by John Jay Pittman in June 1947; John Jay Pittman Collection (David Akers, 5/1998), lot 1527; Rarities Sale (Bowers and Merena, 7/2002), lot 305; Pre-FUN Sale (Superior, 1/2004), lot 385; George "Buddy" Byers Collection (Stack's, 10/2006), lot 1126; Central States Signature (Heritage, 5/2007), lot 2137; Pre-Long Beach Sale (Ira and Larry Goldberg, 2/2008), lot 2179.
3. PR64 NGC. Judge Joseph F. Sawicki; purchased by John Jay Pittman on 5/10/1948; John Jay Pittman Collection (Akers, 10/1997), lot 832, part of a complete 1843 gold, silver, and minor proof set; Richmond Collection (David Lawrence, 3/2005), lot 1788; July Auction (Stack's, 7/2009), lot 579.
4. Brilliant Proof. World's Greatest Collection (Numismatic Gallery, 3/1945), lot 261; Adolph Friedman; 1946 ANA (Numismatic Gallery, 8/1946), lot 817; Berbert-Roe Collections (Stack's, 3/1965), lot 444; 1975 ANA Sale (Superior, 8/1975), lot 561; Paramount's Rare Coin List No. 15 (1977).
5. Brilliant Proof. Part of a complete gold, silver, and minor proof set sold in the Fernand David Collection in Amsterdam, Holland circa 1930; purchased by an agent of B. Max Mehl; Frank Stoddard Collection; Mehl again; Colonel E.H.R. Green in 1932; Green estate; probably Burdette G. Johnson; Mehl again; Will W. Neil Collection (B. Max Mehl, 6/1947), lot 2292; Amon Carter, Sr.; Amon Carter, Jr.; Amon Carter Family Collection (Stack's, 1/1984), lot 630.
6. Proof. Smithsonian Institution.

Other Appearances
A. Proof. Richard B. Winsor Collection (S.H. & H. Chapman, 12/1895), lot 1067, part of a complete gold, silver, and minor proof set, said to have been presented by President Tyler, possibly number 3 or number 5 above.
B. Proof. Peter Mougey Collection (Thomas Elder, 9/1910), lot 551.

Both sides of this Premium Gem Cameo half dollar are remarkably well matched with beautiful low-intensity toning dominated by soft golden-tan, accented by splashes of lavender and aqua-blue in the border areas. A die crack, diagnostic of all proof 1843 half dollars, bisects the reverse. The crack runs from the rim between ES of STATES through the eagle's head, upper left part of the shield, left (facing) leg, and tail to the rim between LF of HALF. An exacting strike results in crisp delineation on the design features, further enhancing the cameo contrast, which stands out regardless of the angle at which the coin is observed. Added to these exquisite attributes are the immaculately preserved surfaces. All in all, a majestic coin that will delight the new owner.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 27T5, PCGS# 86387, Greysheet# 6393)

Weight: 13.36 grams

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

View Certification Details from PCGS