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1855 50C PR66 NGC....

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Description

Captivating 1855 Normal Date Half Dollar, PR66
The Finest Known Example

1855 50C PR66 NGC. Ex: P. Kaufman. The Kaufman 1855 proof half dollar is the finest known Normal Date specimen. Previous researchers differ on the number of surviving specimens. Randy Wiley and Bill Bugert, in their Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Half Dollars, suggest possibly 20 Normal Date pieces are known, while Walter Breen (1988) says there may be 12 coins extant.
We feel that the above estimates of 1855 Normal Date proof half dollar survivors are somewhat high. NGC and PCGS have certified seven examples, and an analysis of auction appearances of which we are aware results in five separate specimens, and two additional coins that may be duplicates. Readers should be aware that we are unable to locate auction appearances of three PCGS-graded pieces, two with Cameo designations; moreover, some Normal Date coins were likely described as 1855/54 proof halves, and vice versa, in previous catalog appearances:

1. PR66 NGC. The Kaufman coin. Baltimore '93 Auction (Superior, 7/1993), lot 427, but unlisted as such on the NGC insert.
2. PR65 NGC. John Jay Pittman (David Akers, 5/1998), lot 1549; Richmond Sale III (David Lawrence Rare Coins, 3/2005), lot 1798.
3. PR65 NGC. Pre-Long Beach Elite Auction (Superior, 5/2003), lot 2574
4. PR63 NGC. Pre-Long Beach (Superior, 10/2000), lot 4397.
5. PR62 NGC. Pre-Long Beach (Superior, 10/2000), lot 4398. Catalogers say Ex Harry W. Bass, Jr. specimen.

Additional Appearances
A. Gem Brilliant Proof. Empire State Collection (Stack's, 1/1997), lot 577.
B. Brilliant Proof. Reed Hawn Collection (Stack's, 8/1973), lot 185.
C. Proof. Brand-Lichtenfels I (Kreisberg-Schulman, 2/1961), lot 1840.

A captivating array of iridescent yellow-gold, sky-blue, lavender, crimson, and orange-gold patination adorns the Cameo-like obverse of the Premium Gem Kaufman half, while a ring of turquoise clings to the reverse borders, changing to dappled tan-gray and turquoise in the central areas. An attentive strike sharpens the design features, save for minor softness in a couple of the star centers. Close inspection reveals both sides to be devoid of mentionable marks. A shallow unpolished area, as minted, between the D of DOL. and the branch stem and a toning spot between star 5 and Liberty's shoulder enabled us to pedigree the Kaufman.
From The Phil Kaufman Collection of Early Seated Proof Sets, Part Three.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 24LE, PCGS# 6408, GSID# 6428)

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight: 12.44 grams
ASW: 0.35996oz
Mintage: 12

View all of [The Phil Kaufman Collection of Early Seated Proof Sets, Part Three ]

View Certification Details from NGC

Auction Info

2008 April Rosemont, IL (CSNS) Signature Coin Auction #1104 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
April, 2008
16th-18th Wednesday-Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 4
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 2,163

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
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Sold on Apr 17, 2008 for: $51,750.00
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