1880 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. WB-102. Type II Reverse. Proof-66+ Ultra Cameo (NGC). A beautiful specimen with delicate champagne-pink and powder blue peripheral highlights framing silver-tinged centers. The eye appeal is remarkable and a fitting match for exceptional technical quality. From a mintage of 1,355 Proofs for the year, and the only specimen certified in the NGC Ultra Cameo category. Undoubtedly one of the best to survive from this issue, and a find for the connoisseur.<p>This 1880 Proof half dollar is in double demand -- first as a wonderful Gem and second because related circulation strikes have such a low mintage. The reason for the last is that after silver coins reached parity with Legal Tender notes on April 20, 1876, large quantities of hoarded pieces came on the market. There was such a glut of these that beginning in 1879 the Mint cut back production of new issues to very low levels, which continued for the remainder of the Liberty Seated series. The Proofs from 1879 to 1891 make a nice collection within a collection if you are seeking a new specialty. Circulation strikes of the era are even rarer in high grades and present an even greater challenge. For good measure, you might try building a collection of each -- as Proof and circulation strikes represent different methods of manufacture. PCGS# 96441. NGC ID: 27UF. NGC Census: 1 in all grades in the Ultra Cameo category. The finest of three grading events in the PCGS Deep Cameo category is a Proof-66.
