1892 Liberty Head Half Eagle. JD-1, the only known dies. Rarity-5. Proof-67 * Ultra Cameo (NGC). A simply beautiful Proof Liberty Head half eagle irrespective of date, this 1892 offers unsurpassed quality and eye appeal for the discerning gold enthusiast. Vivid golden-orange surfaces are sharply to fully struck throughout the design. The devices are softly frosted in texture and set against a backdrop of illimitable depth of reflectivity in the fields. Close inspection with a loupe reveals a subtle "orange peel" texture in the latter areas - highly desirable. Close to perfection with superior eye appeal even for an 1890s Proof Liberty Head gold coin, the Proof-67 numeric grade and Ultra Cameo designations are all fully justified for this exquisite rarity.<p>Produced during the decade that saw classic Proof gold coinage reach its peak for quality in the United States Mint, most survivors of this 92-piece issue are attractive. These total only 35 to 45 coins in all grades (per John Dannreuther, 2018), including at least two specimens permanently impounded in museum collections. Of those available for private ownership this is the finest of which we are aware - one of just two Proof-67 Deep/Ultra Cameo specimens known to PCGS and NGC combined, and the only one to have received a coveted * designation for superior eye appeal. It is included in the list of "Significant Examples" for the issue provided by John Dannreuther in his excellent reference <em>United States Proof Coins</em>, as #3.<p>This coin was certified Proof-67 Ultra Cameo by NGC in its December 2010 auction offering. If both the Proof-67 Ultra Cameo and Proof-67 * Ultra Cameo listings in the current online version of the <em>NGC Census</em> refer to this coin, then it is unrivalled in certified grade for the issue. From Heritages Houston Signature Coin Auction of December 2010, lot 4461; Heritages Summer FUN Signature Auction of July 2011, lot 4792; Heritages Philadelphia Signature Auction of August 2012, lot 5370.
