Heritage World Coin Auctions
FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Seated Half Dollars
1871-CC 50C Repunched Date, WB-102, Die Pair 3, R.6, MS62 PCGS. CAC. The so-called "One Sided Proof" variety. The last two digits in the date are recut, most noticeably under the flag of the 1. Prominent clash marks and die cracks appear around the reverse. The prooflike obverse is highly reflective, hence this coveted variety's tantalizing nickname. Light golden-gray patina delicately drapes mostly brilliant surfaces, and each side is devoid of any overly distracting abrasions. Wispy grade-defining marks occur throughout, and a thin streak of struck-in grease on the reverse will attribute this coin in future appearances.
Despite the mirrored obverse, there is no evidence to suggest that the die was specifically prepared as a branch mint proof. Wiley and Bugert (1993) wrote of another Mint State Condition Census example: "We don't know if it qualifies as a branch mint proof. The obverse is fully prooflike and the rim is fairly sharp and square. However, the head die was also heavily polished to remove signs of repunching, and the tail die has been identified as being left over from 1870 when it had already developed a crack through the middle of MER." Only 153,950 half dollars were minted at Carson City in 1871. Nearly the entire production was thrust into circulation, but luckily a handful of pieces were preserved in Mint State. Of the estimated five Uncirculated survivors, few possess the eye appeal of this Mint State example with the much-desired prooflike obverse. Population: 1 in 62, 1 finer (11/16).
Ex: Kennywood Collection (American Numismatic Rarities, 1/2005), lot 578; The Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part IV (Heritage, 10/2015), lot 1229.
1871-CC 50C Repunched Date, WB-102, Die Pair 3, R.6, MS62 PCGS. CAC. The so-called "One Sided Proof" variety. The last two digits in the date are recut, most noticeably under the flag of the 1. Prominent clash marks and die cracks appear around the reverse. The prooflike obverse is highly reflective, hence this coveted variety's tantalizing nickname. Light golden-gray patina delicately drapes mostly brilliant surfaces, and each side is devoid of any overly distracting abrasions. Wispy grade-defining marks occur throughout, and a thin streak of struck-in grease on the reverse will attribute this coin in future appearances.
Despite the mirrored obverse, there is no evidence to suggest that the die was specifically prepared as a branch mint proof. Wiley and Bugert (1993) wrote of another Mint State Condition Census example: "We don't know if it qualifies as a branch mint proof. The obverse is fully prooflike and the rim is fairly sharp and square. However, the head die was also heavily polished to remove signs of repunching, and the tail die has been identified as being left over from 1870 when it had already developed a crack through the middle of MER." Only 153,950 half dollars were minted at Carson City in 1871. Nearly the entire production was thrust into circulation, but luckily a handful of pieces were preserved in Mint State. Of the estimated five Uncirculated survivors, few possess the eye appeal of this Mint State example with the much-desired prooflike obverse. Population: 1 in 62, 1 finer (11/16).
Ex: Kennywood Collection (American Numismatic Rarities, 1/2005), lot 578; The Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part IV (Heritage, 10/2015), lot 1229.