1866 Liberty Head Half Eagle. JD-1, the only known dies. Rarity-7-. Proof-65 (PCGS). CAC. OGH. CMQ-X. This exquisite, exceedingly rare coin is making its first auction appearance in more than 30 years. It is an enchanting Gem, fully original in preservation with the lightest silvery tinting on deep golden-orange surfaces. A pronounced cameo finish goes unmentioned on the old style PCGS insert, which in no way diminishes the viewers appreciation of strong contrast between reflective fields and frosty motifs. The strike is razor sharp throughout, as befits the method of manufacture, and the surfaces are so expertly preserved as to seem undergraded even at the coveted Proof-65 level. A tiny planchet void in the left reverse field, close in under the eagles right wing, is as made and was instrumental in our discovering this coins 1992 auction appearance.<p>The nation was just beginning the long process of healing from the Civil War when the Mint struck 30 Proof half eagles in 1866. These were intended for sale to contemporary collectors in the North, as was customary at the time, although most had more important matters on their mind at the dawn of the Reconstruction era. It is likely that many examples remained unsold as years end, to be disposed of by the Mint through release into commercial channels. John W. Dannreuther (2018) accounts for only 10 to 12 survivors in all grades, and of the 10 specimens whose provenance he lists conclusively, two are permanently impounded in museum collections (Smithsonian Institution and American Numismatic Society). The offered coin is also listed in the Dannreuther reference, but in the section titled "Additional Appearances" - often reserved for historic appearances that have not been positively linked to specimens confirmed in the modern market. Indeed, this example has not appeared at auction since 1992, as above, and it is still carefully preserved in the same Generation 3.0 holder (1990-1993) in which it was placed when first certified by PCGS around that time. Single finest certified by PCGS in the non-Cameo category, this is a thoroughly PQ specimen at the Proof-65 level, and a world-class rarity that would serve as a centerpiece in the finest numismatic cabinet. PCGS# 8461. NGC ID: 28C3. PCGS Population: 1; 0 finer in this category.<p>CAC Stickered Population: 1; 0. From Superiors Orlando Sale, August 1992, lot 611.
