1882 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. WB-101. MS-67+ (NGC). CAC.This richly original example is toned in a base of medium copper-gray patina. Both sides also exhibit vivid multicolored peripheral toning in reddish-gold, russet, and cobalt blue that is far more extensive on the reverse. Direct lighting calls forth decided reflective tendencies from the fields, the design elements heavily frosted in finish with razor sharp striking detail. Production of circulation strike half dollars amounted to only 4,400 coins in 1882, all of which are attributed to the Philadelphia Mint. With so many previously hoarded coins finding their way back into circulation after silver and paper currency reached parity in April 1876, the Treasury Department had no need to strike large quantities of new half dollars from 1879 through the end of the Liberty Seated series in 1891. Scarce in lower Mint State grades due to the limited mintage, the 1882 is an extraordinary condition rarity at the Superb Gem level of preservation, as here.Ex Heritages Fort Lauderdale Bullet Sale, March 2000, lot 243; Jason Carter, November 2001; Heritages sale of the Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part IV, October 2015, lot 98704.
