<span style="line-height:1.5;">All coins are individually graded and encapsulated by PCGS, as follows:</span><strong>1859 Silver Three-Cent Piece. Proof-64 (PCGS).</strong><strong>1859 Liberty Seated Half Dime. Proof-64 (PCGS).</strong><strong>1859 Liberty Seated Dime. Proof-64 (PCGS).</strong><strong>1859 Liberty Seated Quarter. Proof-64 (PCGS).</strong><strong>1859 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Proof-63 (PCGS).</strong><strong>1859 Liberty Seated Silver Dollar. Proof-64 (PCGS).</strong>All coins are beautifully toned in blended olive-gold and steel gray, the Liberty Seated coinage also reveals more vivid undertones of iridescent gold, pink and/or cobalt blue. This set was stored intact for many years in the same holder, and we are pleased to offer that holder as part of this lot. The holder is actually a black leather case with deep red felt interior, the leading edge of the lid inscribed PROOF SET. in gold lettering. The interior of the case has depressions for holding each of the six coins in the set, the hinge-top lid and clasp fully functional. There is minor wear to the interior of the case inside the depressions that once held the quarter, half dollar and silver dollar, and a few scuffs to the leather on top of the case are also noted for accuracy. Otherwise the case is in Very Fine to Extremely Fine condition and presents exceptionally well.This is one of the most exciting and intriguing offerings in this sale. The late 1850s are an important time in the history of both the United States Mint and the numismatic hobby in this country. Coin collecting in the United States experienced its first major upsurge in popularity toward the end of that decade and, in order to take advantage of increased public interest in numismatics, Mint Director James Ross Snowden began the widespread marketing and sale of Proof coinage in 1858. Yearly mintages of Proof coins reached previously unheard of levels, and beginning in 1859 the Mint recorded the number of Proofs struck for the various silver and gold denominations.According to federal records, the original Proof mintage for each of the six silver denominations current in 1859 is 800 pieces. Despite the increased popularity of numismatics as a hobby at that time, such an output proved to be overly optimistic in light of actual demand. It is likely that no more than 450 of the Proof 1859 silver dollars struck actually sold to contemporary collectors and other interested parties, and the total distribution for the smaller silver denominations was certainly far less. The Mint disposed of the unsold examples by placing them into circulation. The original mintage figures, therefore, are a poor indicator of the actual rarity of survivors in today market, and each of the Proof silver issues from 1859 are considerably rarer than an 800-piece production run would suggest.Most Proof 1859 silver coins were acquired individually, and this is especially true for the silver dollar. Given its large size and impressive appearance, the silver dollar was particularly popular with collectors seeking only a single Proof coin of the date. Even so, the Mint did prepare and distribute a small number of minor and silver coin Proof sets in 1859 (along with an even more limited number of complete Proof sets that also included the gold coins). Writing in the 1989 edition of Walter Breens Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Proof Coins: 1722-1989, the author states, "The number of such sets made is unknown as yet, though evidently of the order of 60-70 -- perhaps slightly more than 1858, certainly less than 100." Breen further states that most such sets were promptly broken up and, apart from the ex Hesslein offering in a June 1923 auction, all existing sets of which he was aware had been assembled from individual coins in more recent years. Indeed, we know of very few original 1859 Proof sets. The silver coins in Pittmans complete 1859 Proof set from the cent through double eagle (Akers, October 1997, lot 834) constituted an original set, although he acquired the accompanying gold coins individually. The six coins that comprise the present offering are of uniform Choice Proof quality with virtually identical toning and, as such, certainly also represent an original set -- one of very few to have survived intact to the present day.This 1859 Proof set of silver coins seems to represent the way they were distributed, as a group, without minor coins or gold coins. Mint practices varied at the time, and certain cases were made with more denominations. Such encasements were obtained from private manufacturers. Mid-19th century Proof sets in contemporary cases are exceedingly rare. These coins were clearly preserved together in this case for many decades, and they have been newly certified by PCGS expressly for offering in this sale. One of the most significant early U.S. Mint Proof sets that we have ever offered, and we anticipate strong competition among advanced collectors. (Total: 6 coins, 1 case)
