1863 Liberty Head Half Eagle. JD-1, the only known dies. Rarity-6+. Proof-64 Deep Cameo (PCGS).A dazzling Choice Proof, among the finest known for this exceedingly rare issue. A tiny planchet void (as made) is in the field in front of the bridge of Libertys nose and serves to hallmark this piece. This is the Eliasberg specimen auctioned by us (Bowers and Ruddy) in 1982, lot 506. At that time we noted:"Thirty coins were reported struck, of which only ten or so survive today. Four of these are described by Walter Breen as being impaired (and two additional coins are in the Smithsonian Institution and The American Numismatic Society). How rare is rare? Whatever the definition is, this coin fits it. Another landmark half eagle. And, like other half eagles of this period, the 1863 is </em>rare in any grade."</em>Writing in 1979, David W. Akers in his United States Gold Coins: An Analysis of Auction Records, Half Eagles</em>, noted that during the preceding 20 years just a single specimen had been offered at auction -- the Garrett coin.Fast forwarding to the early 21st century, one will find that the Proof 1863 half eagle retains its reputation for rarity and elusiveness. John W. Dannreuther (United States Proof Coins, Volume IV: Gold</em>, 2018 accounts for only 12 to 14 coins extant in all grades. With three of these specimens impounded in museum collections -- the aforementioned Smithsonian and ANS specimens, plus the coin in the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection -- only around 10 Proof 1863 half eagles are available for private ownership. These usually trade very infrequently and, indeed, we have not offered an example of this issue since our (Bowers and Merenas) 1999 sale of the Walter H. Childs Collection. The Eliasberg specimen has been off the market since 1987. It is an exquisite Deep Cameo Proof with full striking detail and vivid golden-yellow surfaces. Representing what could very well be a once in a lifetime bidding opportunity for advanced gold enthusiasts, the strongest bids are encouraged when this coin appears at auction.PCGS# 98453. NGC ID: 28BY.Ex Charles T. Steigerwalt, 1895; John H. Clapp Collection, 1942; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., purchased as part of a cabinet acquired intact by Mr. Eliasberg; our (Bowers and Ruddys) sale of the United States Gold Coin Collection (Eliasberg), October 1982, lot 506; our (Bowers and Merenas) Westchester Collection sale, February 1987, lot 2824. Lot tag included.
