 1850 Breen-3, Repunched Date. Choice Brilliant Proof with claims to the Gem category. This a very rare early Proof issue that is seldom found so well preserved. Bright silver and reflective, with a blush of gold that favors the rims. There are a couple of minute nicks and scuffs in the fields, including a very minor scuff below Liberty's cap which can serve to identify this coin in the future. Although Bowers estimates that ''40-60'' Proofs exist, this may be too high, as fewer than 30 have been graded between the two primary services, and there may be duplication in that total. Perhaps the number would range from 25-40 pieces if accurate pedigrees could be created. Of those known, most fall into the narrow grade range seen here, not quite Gem, but very attractive and Choice.
Demand for this date is quite high as the number of business strikes coined halted after a mere 7,500 were struck, and most of those were later melted. This is an early die state struck before the obverse die cracks through the lower portion of the date. The reverse die was used to coin Proofs from 1840 to 1849. Liberty is well frosted and stands out with strong contrast from the mirror fields, and the well matched reverse shows similar contrast. An important offering for the specialist.
| |
|
