1866 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Motto. Proof-66 (NGC).
This is a beautiful, conditionally rare example of a significant issue in the Proof Liberty Seated half dollar issue. Dusted with soft olive-steel iridescence that appears at the borders, both sides are close to untoned in the centers. The devices are sharply struck, well frosted in texture, and contrast nicely with mirrored fields. Uncommonly smooth for an issue that is typically offered no finer than Proof-64, this impressive premium Gem is sure to catch the eye of high quality type collectors. The year 1866 saw the official launch of the Motto design type in the Liberty Seated half dollar series. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST made its first appearance in the regular issue U.S. coin series in 1864, on the newly introduced two-cent piece, and by 1866 it had been introduced to all silver and gold coins of sufficient size. Proof production for the 1866 Motto half dollar amounted to 725 pieces, the coins offered to contemporary collectors as part of the year's silver Proof sets. Enough have survived to make this a readily obtainable issue by the standards of the type, but only in lower grades through Proof-64. As a premium quality Gem, the coin offered here is a decided condition rarity.
PCGS# 6424. NGC ID: 27TZ.
NGC Census within the designation: 9; 3 higher (Proof 68 finest).
From the Arlington Collection.
Price realized | 3'300 USD |
Starting price | 1 USD |
Estimate | 4'400 USD |