Proof early American copper coinage is one of the most
fascinating and intensely pursued series in numismatics. Mint records are largely
unclear on these half cents and large cents, leaving much of the production statistics
to be drawn from the surviving populations. Most issues are known by only a
handful of pieces, a supply that in no way meets the demand from collectors. We
are delighted to offer an exceptional Proof-only 1836 half cent in lot
3288 of our May 2019 Baltimore auction. Certified Proof-62 BN (NGC)
and struck from original dies, it is an important opportunity for both
specialists and type collectors.
Breen noted about 12 surviving examples of the
Original Proof 1836 issue when he wrote his Encyclopedia of United
States and Colonial Proof Coins (1977), but counted roughly twice that many
in his Encyclopedia of United States Half Cents (1983). In the
four decades since, certified populations have increased our insight into the
number of pieces extant. The present coin is an important survivor, with just eight
graded finer by NGC in this category.
The dark steel-blue patina reveals a blend of crimson
and turquoise iridescence beneath a light source. The fields are
semi-reflective with more satiny luster blanketing the design elements. The
strike is sharp and the surfaces are attractive.
Most recently, we offered the finest certified
Original Proof 1836 half cent in our March 2017 sale of the D. Brent Pogue
Collection, Part V. Certified Proof-66 BN (PCGS), it realized $117,500 in lot
5081. The overall scarcity of this issue ensures that it is in
demand across all grades, as exemplified by the Proof-45
(PCGS) example that garnered $3,290 in our March 2016 auction.
The present Original Proof-62 BN (NGC) rarity is
offered in lot 3288
of our May 2019 Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Summer
Expo. The auction is now available for viewing and bidding on our website www.stacksbowers.com, or you may contact
our offices to secure a printed catalog. To speak with a numismatic
representative, please call 800-458-4646 or email info@stacksbowers.com. Also, download our
mobile app to view and participate in our auctions via your Android or Apple
device.
