1859 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Proof-64 Cameo (PCGS).Dusted with silvery iridescence, the obverse contrasts markedly with a deeply and vividly toned reverse. Both sides are fully struck with bold cameo contrast evident as the surfaces dip into a light. This is a charming survivor from a mintage of 800 Proofs, examples of which are remarkably scarce in todays market given the generous output. These coins were struck at a time when the Mint was just beginning to market yearly Proof coinage to contemporary collectors, and a mintage of 800 pieces proved overly optimistic relative to actual sales. Those examples that remained undistributed by years end were late placed into circulation and, thereby, lost to future generations of numismatists.
