1897 Liberty Head Half Eagle. JD-1, the only known dies. Rarity-5. Proof-62 Cameo (PCGS). Brightly mirrored fields and razor sharp striking detail deliver strong eye appeal at the assigned grade level. A handsome and fully original piece, both sides exhibit pale silvery tinting to dominant olive-orange color. 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. PCGS# 88492. NGC ID: 28D3.
