Heritage World Coin Auctions
ANA Signature US Coin Sale 1258 2-6 Aug 2017
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Proof Seated Half Dollars
1883 50C PR68 ★ Cameo NGC. The scant mintage of 8,000 circulation strikes was supplemented by 1,039 proofs in 1883, and while a number of coins were preserved in both formats, collectors have long looked to the proofs when high-grade business strikes were either unavailable or unacceptable. Those who seek the "finest of the fine" among 1883 halves will inevitably turn to a proof, since no business strike is certified finer than MS67 at either PCGS or NGC (6/17).
Among the proofs, few options exist as well. Regular proofs show three PR68 examples (all at NGC) but none have either the Plus or Star designation. There are no Ultra or Deep Cameo proofs certified finer than the PR66 level at either service. Cameo proofs offer the two finest-certified 1883 Seated halves available to collectors: Both grade PR68 ★ Cameo (6/17). The present offering is one of those, glassy-smooth in the fields and frosty-white across the raised devices, with old-time proof set "porthole" toning -- silver at the centers, surrounded by progressive shades of reddish-tan, violet, cerulean-blue, and sea-green at the borders. The strike is impeccable, as are the exquisite surfaces. Census: 3 in 68 Cameo (2 in 68★), 0 finer (6/17).
HID02901242017
1883 50C PR68 ★ Cameo NGC. The scant mintage of 8,000 circulation strikes was supplemented by 1,039 proofs in 1883, and while a number of coins were preserved in both formats, collectors have long looked to the proofs when high-grade business strikes were either unavailable or unacceptable. Those who seek the "finest of the fine" among 1883 halves will inevitably turn to a proof, since no business strike is certified finer than MS67 at either PCGS or NGC (6/17).
Among the proofs, few options exist as well. Regular proofs show three PR68 examples (all at NGC) but none have either the Plus or Star designation. There are no Ultra or Deep Cameo proofs certified finer than the PR66 level at either service. Cameo proofs offer the two finest-certified 1883 Seated halves available to collectors: Both grade PR68 ★ Cameo (6/17). The present offering is one of those, glassy-smooth in the fields and frosty-white across the raised devices, with old-time proof set "porthole" toning -- silver at the centers, surrounded by progressive shades of reddish-tan, violet, cerulean-blue, and sea-green at the borders. The strike is impeccable, as are the exquisite surfaces. Census: 3 in 68 Cameo (2 in 68★), 0 finer (6/17).
HID02901242017