Heritage World Coin Auctions
ANA Signature US Coin Sale 1258 2-6 Aug 2017
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Proof Liberty Half Eagles
1877 $5 PR65 Cameo PCGS Secure. Only 20 proof half eagles were struck in 1877, all for inclusion in the gold proof sets, which were delivered in two batches of 10 sets each on February 24 and May 31. The mintage was small even by 19th century gold proof standards, and it is possible some of the coins were never distributed. Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth note:
"The Proof 1877 half eagle is a rarity of the highest magnitude. It is nearly certain that less than half of the tiny mintage of 20 coins remains ... The 1877 half eagle is one of the most difficult issues of the 1870s to obtain in Proof."
Currently, NGC and PCGS have combined to certify just eight examples in all grades, including an unknown number of resubmissions and crossovers (6/17). Our current roster of all 1877 proof half eagles known to us, includes nine coins, a total that agrees well with Garrett and Guth's estimate above.
The present coin is an attractive Gem that shows the diagnostic low placement of the date, but seems to be from an early die state that shows little evidence of the die rust Breen noted on the chin. The design elements are sharply detailed throughout, with frosty devices that stand out dramatically against the deeply mirrored fields. The well-preserved greenish-gold surfaces are free of mentionable distractions, but a small lintmark near the right (facing) wingtip acts as a pedigree marker. Eye appeal is terrific. This example is currently the PCGS CoinFacts plate coin. It may be years before a comparable specimen becomes available, so discerning collectors should bid accordingly. Housed in a new 30th Anniversary green label holder. Population: 1 in 65 Cameo, 0 finer (6/17).
HID02901242017
1877 $5 PR65 Cameo PCGS Secure. Only 20 proof half eagles were struck in 1877, all for inclusion in the gold proof sets, which were delivered in two batches of 10 sets each on February 24 and May 31. The mintage was small even by 19th century gold proof standards, and it is possible some of the coins were never distributed. Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth note:
"The Proof 1877 half eagle is a rarity of the highest magnitude. It is nearly certain that less than half of the tiny mintage of 20 coins remains ... The 1877 half eagle is one of the most difficult issues of the 1870s to obtain in Proof."
Currently, NGC and PCGS have combined to certify just eight examples in all grades, including an unknown number of resubmissions and crossovers (6/17). Our current roster of all 1877 proof half eagles known to us, includes nine coins, a total that agrees well with Garrett and Guth's estimate above.
The present coin is an attractive Gem that shows the diagnostic low placement of the date, but seems to be from an early die state that shows little evidence of the die rust Breen noted on the chin. The design elements are sharply detailed throughout, with frosty devices that stand out dramatically against the deeply mirrored fields. The well-preserved greenish-gold surfaces are free of mentionable distractions, but a small lintmark near the right (facing) wingtip acts as a pedigree marker. Eye appeal is terrific. This example is currently the PCGS CoinFacts plate coin. It may be years before a comparable specimen becomes available, so discerning collectors should bid accordingly. Housed in a new 30th Anniversary green label holder. Population: 1 in 65 Cameo, 0 finer (6/17).
HID02901242017