Offered is a phenomenal half dollar from the brief and challenging Arrows, Motto portion of the Liberty Seated series. Both sides are incredibly attractive with target toning in copper-rose, blue-gray, salmon pink and, on the obverse only, golden-apricot colors. Even more vivid undertones of pink, blue and gold shine forth under a light. Both sides are fully struck, vibrantly reflective, and so carefully preserved as to be all but pristine.The weight of the half dollar was modified again in 1873 when the Act of February 12 mandated an increase from 12.44 grams to 12.50 grams. The Mint once again decided to add arrows to the obverse before and after the date for coins struck to the new weight standard. This second Arrows Liberty Seated half dollar type remained in production only in 1873 and 1874, after which the basic Motto type returned, albeit with the weight standard as mandated in 1873.<br /><br />The Arrows type of 1873 to 1874 is more challenging to locate than those of 1854 to 1855, at least in circulation strike format. Proofs of the later type are far easier to obtain in an absolute sense, as the Mint of the 1870s continued a trend begun in the late 1850s of respectable yearly production of Proofs to meet growing contemporary demand. The Proof 1873 Arrows and 1874 are of similar overall and condition rarity in todays market, both relatively obtainable in lower grades yet commanding a significant premium due to enhanced type collector pressure. At and above the Proof-65 level both issues are rare in an absolute sense and very rare from a market availability standpoint. The present specimen is the only Proof-68 for the type as a whole known to PCGS, and in any category to include Cameo and Deep Cameo. (NGC reports two grading events in Proof-68 *, both for the 1874.) Virtually unrivaled and certainly unsurpassed in quality and eye appeal, this is a coin that belongs in the finest type set of classic U.S. Mint silver coinage.,,PCGS# 6435. NGC ID: 27UV.,PCGS Population: 1; 0 finer in this category. There are no DCAM examples certified, and the finest Cameo known to PCGS is a Proof-66.,
