1859 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Proof-64+ Cameo (PCGS). CAC.Brilliant silver surfaces allow ready appreciation of bold cameo contrast between frosty devices and mirrored fields. Fully struck, as would be expected for a Proof, and very close to full Gem preservation. Proof 1859 half dollars are remarkably scarce in todays market despite the production of 800 coins. These were struck at a time when the Mint was just beginning to market yearly Proof coinage to collectors, and the mintage of 800 pieces proved overly optimistic relative to actual sales. Those examples that remained undistributed by years end were eventually placed into circulation and, thereby, lost to future generations of numismatists.
