1833 1/2C, RB PR(PCGS#1199)
1833 1/2C, RB PR (PCGS#1199)
August 2020 U.S. Coins Auction
- 拍卖行
- Stack's Bowers
- 批号
- 1152
- 等级
- PR65RB
- 价格
- 166,729
- 详细说明
- Rare Gem Proof 1833 Half Cent 1833 Classic Head Half Cent. C-1. Rarity-5 as a Proof. Proof-65 RB (PCGS). CAC. This is a beautiful and elusive 1833 half cent. Both sides are fully struck with intricate detail from the rims to the centers. The obverse exhibits even orange-brown color, while on the reverse a splash of deep olive over the upper right interrupts otherwise similar patination. A significant bloom of original Red mint luster shows on the obverse, complemented by iridescent pinkish-lilac undertones and appreciable semi-reflectivity in the fields throughout. These lustrous and vibrant surfaces have earned it a coveted green sticker from CAC, which has been awarded to just two other examples in this color designation including the PR-65+ RB (PCGS) Missouri Cabinet specimen that went on to bring $74,750 in 2014. An ancient reverse carbon spot is out of the way at the border above the letter E in UNITED, and it is mentioned here solely as a means of tracking this coin. Otherwise virtually pristine, this handsome and fully original specimen is sure to catch the eye of astute bidders. An obverse die crack extends from star 2 to beyond star 7 but, in the absence of reverse clash marks within the wreath, this coin was struck from an earlier die state than Manley 1.0, the earliest state known for circulation strikes of this date. This specimen was struck in the second Philadelphia Mint building located at Juniper and Chestnut streets. Construction on the new facility began in 1829, and coinage operations commenced in January 1833, aided by a complement of brand new machinery. This is the Mint building in which all half cents would be produced from 1833 through the denomination's end in 1857. Regarding the 1833 Classic Head, only a single die pairing is known, and it was used to strike both Proofs and circulation strikes. The Proofs were undoubtedly produced first, as the early die state described above suggests. Exactly how many of these specially prepared coins were struck is unknown since Mint personnel did not record the mintages of Proof coins during that era. Rick Coleman included only five examples in his census, while Walter Breen (1983) estimated that "at least fifty proofs [sic] survive" and went on to opine, "These may have been made in large quantities to celebrate the opening of the new Mint, which commenced in January, 1833." PCGS CoinFacts provides an estimate of 30 to 40 coins extant in all grades. Clearly this is a scarce to rare issue, expertly preserved and attractive Gems such as this decidedly in the latter category. PCGS Population: 2; just 3 finer through Proof-66 RB. CAC Population: 2; none finer. PCGS# 1199. NGC ID: 2239. Click here for certification details from PCGS.