By James McCartney – Senior Numismatist, Stack’s Bowers ……
Proof early American copper coinage is one of the most fascinating and intensely pursued series in numismatics. Mint records are largely unclear on these half cents and large cents, leaving much of the production statistics to be drawn from the surviving populations. Most issues are known by only a handful of pieces, a supply that in no way meets the demand from collectors. We are delighted to offer an exceptional Proof-only 1836 half cent in lot 3288 of our May 2019 Baltimore auction. Certified Proof-62 BN (NGC) and struck from original dies, it is an important opportunity for both specialists and type collectors.
Walter Breen noted about 12 surviving examples of the Original Proof 1836 issue when he wrote his Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Proof Coins (1977), but counted roughly twice that many in his Encyclopedia of United States Half Cents (1983). In the about four decades since the publication of those books, certified populations have increased our insight into the number of pieces extant. The present coin is an important survivor, with just eight graded finer by NGC in this category.
The dark steel-blue patina reveals a blend of crimson and turquoise iridescence beneath a light source. The fields are semi-reflective with more satiny luster blanketing the design elements. The strike is sharp and the surfaces are attractive.
Most recently, we offered the finest certified Original Proof 1836 half cent in our March 2017 sale of the D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part V. Certified Proof-66 BN (PCGS), it realized $117,500 in lot 5081. The overall scarcity of this issue ensures that it is in demand across all grades, as exemplified by the Proof-45 (PCGS) example that garnered $3,290 in our March 2016 auction.
The present Original Proof-62 BN (NGC) rarity is offered in lot 3288 of our May 2019 Baltimore Auction. The auction is now available for viewing and bidding on our website www.StacksBowers.com, or you may contact our offices to secure a printed catalog. To speak with a numismatic representative, please call 800-458-4646 or email [email protected]. Also, download our mobile app to view and participate in our auctions via your Android or Apple device.
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The Drummer Collection — Did You Know?
Did you know Stack’s Bowers Galleries is featuring the Drummer Collection in our official auction of the Whitman Coin and Collectibles Summer Expo? The Drummer Collection was assembled for a drummer who was a member of a rock bank in the late 1960s and ’70s and includes an impressive collection of Carson City half eagles that offers an example of all 19 issues struck. All coins are attractive and problem free. Highlights include an 1870-CC $5 in VF-20 (PCGS), an 1871-CC $5 in VF-30 (PCGS), an 1873-CC $5 in VF-30 (PCGS) and an 1882-CC $5 in AU-53 (PCGS). We are excited to offer this popular Carson City series in collectible grade ranges in our Rarities Night session, which crosses the block on Thursday, May 23 beginning at 6:00 PM ET in Room 307 of the Baltimore Convention Center. View the collection at StacksBowers.com, or download your free copy of the catalog here.
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