 1850 Choice Brilliant Uncirculated. Toned with dark lilac and blue over the entire surface and attractive for this coveted rare date. The mintage for the year stumbled to a halt after a mere 7,500 were coined. Of these, many were melted during the economic disruptions caused by the California Gold Rush which drove up the price of silver relative to the falling price of gold. There are moderate handling marks which seem to favor the fields as opposed to the devices, but they are old and toned over. Rather well struck for this date, with sharp stars surrounding Liberty and even the tiniest crags on the eagle's claws are crisp. Probably one of the top 20 to survive of this date, most of the others have been cleaned or damaged in some form. Locating an attractive example is a monumental challenge for the specialist, and the present coin should find many suitors who appreciate its colorful toning, sharp strike and abundant rarity. PCGS MS63.
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