Offered is a beautifully toned, very appealing Gem Proof half dime rarity. Both sides display a blend of iridescent midnight blue, deep lilac, golden-olive and light apricot patina that is lightest in the center of the obverse. A uniformly mirrored finish shines forth nicely from expertly preserved surfaces. Solidly graded at the Proof-65 level.The 1845 Liberty Seated half dime is an important rarity in Proof format. The original mintage of this issue is unknown, produced as it was during the era before the U.S. Mint recorded yearly mintages for Proof coinage. Very few examples were struck, generally for presentation or other official purposes, as was the raison detre for much of the U.S. Mints Proof coinage during the 1840s and early 1850s. We are aware of only eight distinct survivors in numismatic hands, one of which is impounded in the National Numismatic Collection in the Smithsonian Institution and not available for private ownership. The present Gem is tied with two other Proof-65s (the Eliasberg and Richmond collection specimens, both certified by NGC) as the third finest example. A highlight of the Proof coin offerings in this Rarities Auction, and a Gem that would be an important addition to a fine numismatic cabinet.
