Heritage World Coin Auctions
FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
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Proof Barber Half Dollars
1903 50C PR68 Cameo PCGS. From a small mintage of 755 pieces, the 1903 proof Barber half dollar was issued with the silver proof sets, but these were almost all dispersed by coin dealers in the 1920-1950 time frame because of collector demand for the Morgan dollar. Walter Breen notes many examples were subsequently cleaned, or otherwise impaired. Because the Mint switched to an all-brilliant finish on proof coins the year before, high-grade specimens with Cameo surfaces are quite elusive in today's market.
The present coin is a magnificent PR68 Cameo specimen, the single-finest certified at PCGS, but NGC also lists one PR68 Cameo example (10/16). The design elements exhibit razor-sharp definition throughout, with a frosty texture that contrasts boldly with the deeply mirrored fields to produce a dramatic cameo effect. The surfaces are impeccably preserved, with a few highlights of greenish-gold toning at the peripheries. We expect intense competition from Registry Set enthusiasts when this lot is called. Population: 1 in 68 Cameo, 0 finer (11/16).
1903 50C PR68 Cameo PCGS. From a small mintage of 755 pieces, the 1903 proof Barber half dollar was issued with the silver proof sets, but these were almost all dispersed by coin dealers in the 1920-1950 time frame because of collector demand for the Morgan dollar. Walter Breen notes many examples were subsequently cleaned, or otherwise impaired. Because the Mint switched to an all-brilliant finish on proof coins the year before, high-grade specimens with Cameo surfaces are quite elusive in today's market.
The present coin is a magnificent PR68 Cameo specimen, the single-finest certified at PCGS, but NGC also lists one PR68 Cameo example (10/16). The design elements exhibit razor-sharp definition throughout, with a frosty texture that contrasts boldly with the deeply mirrored fields to produce a dramatic cameo effect. The surfaces are impeccably preserved, with a few highlights of greenish-gold toning at the peripheries. We expect intense competition from Registry Set enthusiasts when this lot is called. Population: 1 in 68 Cameo, 0 finer (11/16).