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Description

Impressive 1849 Seated Half, PR66
From the Pittman and Byers Collections

1849 50C PR66 NGC. Ex: Pittman. We believe this piece is the finest of just six or seven 1849 proof half dollars currently traced. In 1977, Walter Breen recorded five examples, including a badly impaired piece that he saw over 20 years earlier. Wiley and Bugert stated that at least five are known, and David Akers noted exactly five known when he cataloged this coin as part of the Pittman sale.
Expanding on the roster that appeared in our Kaufman Collection offering (April 2008), we trace the following proofs:

1. PR66 NGC. The present specimen. Paramount (1967 Grand Central Sale), lot 1017; John Jay Pittman (David Akers, 5/1998), lot 1536; Bowers and Merena (8/1999), lot 205; George "Buddy" Byers (Stack's, 10/2006), lot 1150; Heritage (7/2008), lot 1701; to our present consignor.
2. PR65 NGC. F.C.C. Boyd; World's Greatest Collection (Numismatic Gallery, 4/1945), lot 296; Floyd T. Starr (Stack's, 10/1992), lot 549; Superior (7/1993), lot 421; Phil Kaufman (Heritage, 4/2008), lot 2391. Breen suggested that this coin was possibly earlier in the Parmelee (lot 1201) and Earle (lot 2997) sales.
3. PR64 NGC. The Richmond Sale, Part III (David Lawrence, 3/2005), lot 1793.
4. PR64 PCGS. Randall Collection, lot 409; Garrett Collection (Stack's, 3/1976), lot 214; Auction '88 (RARCOA, 7/1988), lot 1725; Heritage (9/2005), lot 3265.
5. PR64. Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. (Bowers and Merena, 4/1997), lot 1947.

A. Proof. James A. Stack (Stack's, 3/1975), lot 453. Apparently different from any of those listed above. In fact, the only piece it could be is #3, the Richmond specimen.
B. Proof. Kagin's (7/1978), lot 622. Possibly the Richmond coin (3), the Garrett coin (4), or the Stack coin (A).
C. Proof. Amwest (7/1981). The catalog is unavailable. Possibly the Richmond coin (3), the Garrett coin (4), the Stack coin (A), or the Kagin coin (B).

A boldly detailed example with sharp stars, head, foot, and gown details on the obverse, and strong eagle, claw, and leaf details on the reverse, this gorgeous proof has amazing aesthetic appeal. Both sides have brilliant silver proof surfaces, with deep peripheral sea-green, russet, violet, and gold. Aside from a few wispy hairlines, there are no contact marks or other blemishes. An exceptional example that provides an important opportunity for an advanced Seated half dollar or type specialist.
From The Malibu Collection.


Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 27TB, PCGS# 6393, Greysheet# 6410)

Weight: 13.36 grams

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper


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View Certification Details from NGC

Auction Info

Auction Dates
September, 2008
17th-21st Wednesday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 5
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 3,806

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
15% of the successful bid per lot.

Sold on Sep 18, 2008 for: $86,250.00
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