1878 50C, CAM PR64CAM Certification #36767253, PCGS #86439

Ron Guth

Proof 1878 Half Dollars are slightly more rare than many of the other dates in the 1870's and follow the Proof 1876 Half Dollars rather closely in terms of the total number of certified survivors and the grade distribution.  This makes the 1878 a good value for collectors who are seeking a low mintage coin at an affordable price.  As with the other contemporary dates, the 1878 usually comes in average grades, usually in PR63.  Gems are available (for a price) but anything better than PR65 is a condition-rarity.  Nearly a quarter of the known examples are Cameo Proofs.  Deep Cameo Proofs are exceedingly rare.