1848 10C PR(PCGS#4735)

August 2011 Chicago ANA - Rarities Night

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

7284

等级

PR65

价格

165,282

详细说明

1848 Seated Liberty Dime. Proof-65 (PCGS). Gem proof&nbsp;Seated Liberty dimes from the 1840s are few and far between, and when they do appear they are typically dated 1846, rarely 1848. The present coin is truly memorable. Frosty motifs and mirror fields display a deeply toned and distinctive cameo contrast. Liberty&rsquo;s portrait is alive with rich crimson and violet fire while the surrounding field is bold gunmetal-blue.&nbsp;The reverse exhibits&nbsp;neon-blue patina with pale golden contrast on the devices. From an unknown but undoubtedly small mintage, perhaps on the order of fewer than a dozen pieces. As sharp as one could hope for and as close to perfect as any examples yet seen by PCGS -- this specimen is tied with one other proof of the date for finest certified honors. If you desire a proof rarity that has never been dipped or brightened, and comes to you directly from the 19th century, here indeed is a coin worth a strong bid!<br /> <br /> <strong>Numismatic Reflections by Q. David Bowers<br /> </strong>Early silver proofs are a special category in themselves. For many years the demand for proofs in most silver series (dollars excepted) began with 1858 and continued from that point. Earlier proofs, which came on the market now and then, were often ignored and were less expensive than later ones! In the mid 1950s, corresponding often with Walter Breen, I compiled a database on early proofs, going beyond a monograph he had written for Wayte Raymond. At the same time, I collected proof Liberty Seated half dollars. From various sources I was able to acquire a number of dates in the 1840s and 1850s, without much competition. Of course, this is curious to read today as such early proofs are in fantastic demand, and when offered create all sorts of excitement.