1861 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Proof-64 Cameo (NGC).
Delicate peripheral toning gives this coin a familiar appearance for an ex Newman Proof half dollar of this type. Brilliant in the centers, and with a boldly cameoed finish readily appreciable, this fully struck and carefully preserved near-Gem is sure to please. From a mintage of 1,000 Proofs, which proved wildly optimistic on the part of Mint employees given the outbreak of the Civil War that year. With many specimens remaining unsold and later fed into commerce, the Proof 1861 half dollar is far scarcer than the mintage would imply. With a certified Cameo designation, as here, survivors are downright rare.
PCGS# 86415. NGC ID: 27TL.
NGC Census: 3; 5 finer in this category (Proof-66 Cameo finest).
From the BASH Collection. Earlier ex "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green estate; partnership of Eric P. Newman and Burdette G. Johnson, doing business as St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman, acquired for $6.50; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society; Heritage's sale of the Eric P. Newman Collection, Part II, November 2013, lot 33764.

Estimate: $3000