1898 Barber Half Dollar. Proof-68 Ultra Cameo (NGC).One of several truly memorable Proof Barber half dollars that we are offering in this sale, this virtually pristine 1898 offers outstanding technical quality and abundant eye appeal. The surfaces are untoned to allow ready appreciation of pronounced cameo contrast. The devices are fully struck, richly frosted and set against a backdrop of illimitable depth of reflectivity in the fields. Virtually pristine, this awe inspiring Superb Gem was obviously handled with the utmost care since leaving the Mint more than a century ago.The Proof 1898 half dollar was produced to a similar extent as its Proof 1897 counterpart (735 vs. 731 coins), both issues also produced to an exceptionally high standard. These are the most frequently encountered Proofs of the type with a Deep/Ultra Cameo finish, survivors often selected for inclusion in high quality type sets. Such coins are scarce in an absolute sense, however, and both issues add condition rarity to strike rarity in the finest Deep/Ultra Cameo grades. As one of the most outstanding Proof 1898 half dollars available to todays discerning numismatists, we anticipate strong bidder competition for this remarkable Superb Gem.
