Lot 966
1830 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Small 0. NGC graded Proof 64. An Extremely Rare Proof Example. First off, examination of the mirror surfaces and strike confirm that this is a proof. The stars and full and complete, each of the thirteen showing full radial lines and most showing the central ridge which extends down the middle of each star arm. Further, the central clasp on Liberty's shoulder is sharp, and minute traces of doubling are noted on several of the peripheral devices, confirming at least two strikes from the dies. Well mirrored fields, including between the shield stripes from polished dies, which is expected on proofs. Minor weakness in the strike on the absolute top most curls, and on the eagle's left claw above the C. The surfaces are toned with gold and sunset yellow colors predominating, with blue splashes near the edge of both sides. Frosted on the devices, and the coin boasts good contrast.
No others have been reported in proof of this die pairing, and it is quite possibly Unique. in proof. Further research will likely enhance the rarity of this date and variety in proof.
As to the rarity, we note PCGS has graded a single example in Proof as PR-62. NGC reports only a single coin graded in proof, this example as PF-64. Estimates of the total population range from four to ten coins, of various die pairings, and we were able to locate auction records of at most six different coins over the past 100 or so years (others may have been offered, but this the information we could reasonably locate) as follows:
1). Bowers and Ruddy's Terrell Sale, 5/73:837: The present coin. Note the two tiny specks below TE of UNITED for the plate match.
2). Lester Merkin's Sale, 2/12/71: 720 later Stack's Reed Hawn Sale, 8/73:93 (two toning dots over head). (Both plated)
3). 1949 ANA Sale, Numismatic Gallery, lot 1482 (No plate) at $38.00.
4). David Aker's John Jay Pittman Sale II, 5/20/98:1494 "possible proof", O-108, realized $10,450. (Plate).
5). Stack's Davis-Graves Sale, 1954:519 "has break from D to ribbon" at $30. (No plate).
6). Chapman's Parmelee Sale, 1890: 998 at $5.50 (No plate).
Some duplication is likely in the above group, and not all coins were plated making confirmation of the pieces known extremely difficult if not impossible. With so few known, the present coin is likely either the Parmelee or the 1949 ANA coin (or both!) but this is uncertain until individual notes are studied from attendees of the auction who examined and made notes about the coins offered. Breen notes only Overton-110 as a known variety in Proof in his Proof reference, and later in his Encyclopedia mentions "several varieties of proofs" but does not enumerate the Overton numbers that he had seen.
A foremost opportunity for the specialist to purchase an extremely rare coin.
Remember that proofs from this era were issued on a hit or miss basis. In some years a dozen of various denominations may have been coined, in other years none. As seen above, the 1830 proof half dollar is an extremely rare animal. One could argue that there are half a dozen known, and could just as easily argue that this 1830 proof half dollar is unique. Whatever the case, we heartily recommend this beautiful proof coin.
Estimated Value $15,000-UP.
From Bowers and Ruddy's Terrell Sale, May 18-19, 1973, lot 837, prior and past offerings possible.
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