Lot 1780
THE FINEST KNOWN 1867 PROOF. NGC graded Proof 68 Superb!. The surfaces of this piece, are, shall we say--phenomenal!--virtually untouched since the day this piece was coined. Perfectly struck, perfectly preserved and gloriously toned, that's the package here. As to the other 1867 silver dollars struck in proof, most of the original mintage of 625 were spent, lost or otherwise damaged in the ensuing 133 years. After nearly 14 years of third party grading, the two services have seen most of what's available. Here's how the Population Reports of NGC and PCGS read: Proof 68, only a single specimen, this coin. Proof 67, none. Proof 66, NGC has seen 5, PCGS none. A few more gem 65s are available, with a total of 27 graded between the two. Furthermore, as a type coin, NGC has only graded 2 seated dollars this high, PCGS hasn't graded any in Proof 68, and neither has seen any in higher grades, naturally. Thus, this coin is tied for the finest known of its type with one other specimen.
Another fantastic feature of this coin are the dizzying array of colors that encircle the obverse, the edges are fairly dark in tones and as one moves closer to the bright white center, one passes through areas of color which look more like interstellar nebulas than the usual artists palette of rainbow tones. On the reverse, the color is more mottled, with deep smoky gray at the bottom, areas of brilliant rust hues scattered on the devices and hints of violet combined with dove gray. The ensemble is probably a natural outgrowth of careful storage for decades, and occasionally coins with vivid colors such as this are seen from sources that didn't touch, clean or even examine their coins for decades and more.
Certainly the most resplendent seated silver dollar in existence, and one that will command a record price to pry this coin away from its current owner. One of the most remarkable coins in this sale because of its fantastic state of preservation.
Estimated Value $50,000-UP.
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| Realized $55,200 |
