1897 Liberty Head Half Eagle. JD-1, the only known dies. Rarity-5. Proof-55 (PCGS). CAC. Brightly mirrored fields and razor sharp striking detail persist to confirm this coins Proof status. A handsome and fully original piece, both sides exhibit light honey-gold patina. There is little to report in the way of actual wear, scattered marks pointing to light handling and explaining the Proof-55 grade returned by PCGS. With a slightly lower mintage of 83 versus 103 coins, it should perhaps come as no surprise to read that the Proof 1897 half eagle is rarer than the Proof 1896. John W. Dannreuther (2018) estimates that only 40 to 55 specimens are extant in all grades for the former issue, the present example a significant find for the advanced numismatist.
