1857 50C PR67 NGC....

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1857 Half Dollar, PR67

1857 50C PR67 NGC. Ex: Garrett-Kaufman. The Phil Kaufman 1857 proof half dollar, pedigreed to the John Work Garrett Collection (which incidentally is noted on the NGC insert), ranks in the top two or three of the 70 coins certified by NGC and PCGS.
An unknown number of 1857 proofs were struck. Randy Wiley and Bill Bugert, in their Liberty Seated Half Dollar reference, estimate that fewer than 15 pieces are known. Likewise, Walter Breen enumerates between 13 and 16 specimens in his Proof Encyclopedia. In light of the number of certified examples, the Wiley-Bugert and Breen numbers are probably too low, even with the realization that a number of the former are undoubtedly resubmitted coins. Moreover, we have recorded at least 45 auction appearances of the 1857 proof half in just the last 10 years. Of course, a number of these must have been reappearances. We estimate the surviving population is from 25 to 45 pieces.
The Kaufman 1857 proof half dollar displays beautiful cobalt-blue, lavender, violet, and yellow-gold toning over both sides, being just a shade or two deeper on the reverse. A penetrating strike delivers uniformly bold definition to the design features. Each side exhibits noticeable field-motif contrast, especially when the coin is rotated under a light source. As might be expected for the Superb Gem designation, the surfaces are impeccably preserved. Indeed, we are hard pressed to locate pedigree identifiers for future catalogers and researchers.
Ex: Professor Anthon Collection, Part V (Cogan/Bangs, 10/1884), lot 239; John Work Garrett Collection; The Johns Hopkins University (Stack's 3/1976), lot 226.
From The Phil Kaufman Collection of Early Proof Sets, Part Four.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 27TG, PCGS# 86411, GSID# 6435)

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

View all of [Phil Kaufman Collection of Early Proof Sets, Part Four ]

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