aj5831 Coin Album
50C 1827 O-114 R.3 Square Base 2, MS64+, SB (6/17), HA lot 3852 (7/16), HA lot 4971 (8/15). "Satiny luster is comprehensive and imparts a truly angelic complexion." A condition census specimen of the Overton 114 marriage, this stunning near-Gem remains brilliant and virtually untoned throughout. The devices are nicely bold across each side despite evidence of die fatigue most apparent in the peripheries. Lacking in notable imperfections of any sort, the satiny luster is comprehensive and imparts a truly angelic complexion.
Top Pop. HA (7/22), Long Beach Expo/Summer FUN US Coins Signature Auction #1347 / Lot #3109. 1866 5C Rays PR67 Deep Cameo PCGS. An incredibly eye-appealing example of this short-lived Rays type, showing brilliant surfaces characterized by deep reflectivity in the fields and satiny luster on the devices. Cameo contrast is readily apparent on both sides, complementing pristine preservation. The 1866 Rays Shield nickel is a great rarity in Deep Cameo quality, with only four pieces so designated at PCGS. This example is the sole finest of those. The ultimate Registry Set candidate, in a class by itself. Population: 1 in 67 Deep Cameo, 0 finer (3/22). Ex: Just Having Fun Collection (Stack's Bowers, 11/2013), lot 2012. I was in the auction for another coin and bought this impromptu.
Top pop, CAC. HA Lot 4478 (5/24). As one of just two Deep Cameo examples certified by PCGS as PR68 with none numerically finer (3/24), this 1900 half dollar has to rank as one of the most desirable proofs of its issue. No numeric grade is needed, however, to tell the viewer that the coin in his or her hand is special. Intense contrast between glassy silver-black mirrors and sharply defined, thickly frosted devices tells the entire story. A tiny die-polished hollow is noted under Liberty's ear, as usual for the issue, but the preservation is impressive and spotting is minimal. Superb visual appeal. The top-grade Deep Cameo population for this issue has not increased in more than a decade, firmly establishing the current coin's conditional rarity. Ex: Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2011), lot 5203. From The Palm Beach Gardens Collection.
GC (9/19), CAC. A magnificent Ultra Gem offering spectacular eye appeal and surface quality. The pearly silver patina is accented by rich tones of reddish-orange iridescence in isolated peripheral areas. Sharply struck with strong reflectivity in the fields and virtually no signs of handling even when viewed under a glass. The Proof 1942 Walking Liberty half dollar is an historic issue struck at the dawn of the United States official entry into World War II. It represents not only the final Proof issue of the Walking Liberty series, but the last Proof half dollar struck until 1950 when the Franklin series was already underway. 21,120 Proof halves were struck in 1942, though only about half of them survive in grades of Proof-65 or higher. The present PCGS/CAC Proof-68+ is among the most exceptional known and is deserving of the strongest bids. PCGS Population: 11; with a single Proof-69 finer.
GC $43,312.50 (12/22) - 1964 50C Accented Hair, FS-401, PR69 Deep Cameo PCGS. Extra detailing appears in Kennedy's hair on this variety, and a broken left foot on the I in LIBERTY confirms the attribution. This condition rarity is tied for the finest known example of the variety (1/25). Brilliant, liquidlike mirrors complement frosty devices and a sharp strike, with overall outstanding visual appeal. The PR69 grade means virtually flawless preservation, and the Deep Cameo designation denotes virtually flawless production quality. We last handled an Accented Hair piece in this grade in our January 2024 Signature, which realized $46,800. Population: 6 in 69 Deep Cameo, 0 finer (1/25).
1968-S 50C PR70 Deep Cameo PCGS. The 1968-S proof Kennedy half dollar is a great rarity in PR70 Deep Cameo. PCGS lists only 16 coins so fine, and none are comparable at NGC (9/17). This piece is fully struck and brilliant with stark white-on-black contrast. The surfaces are perfect. Registry Set collectors should give this coin close consideration as the finest obtainable. Heritage (11/17)
