1867 50C Liberty Seated Half Dollar PCGS PR63

1867 50C Liberty Seated Half Dollar PCGS PR63

      We at AUCM are pleased to offer a truly rare coin at a great price, an 1867 Seated Liberty half dollar in Proof 63. This is the quintessential proof type coin for those seeking affordable examples for their collection. Ron Guth writes, "With only 625 Proofs minted the 1867 Half Dollar is scarce by any measure. Nonetheless, at least a third...of the original mintage survives and most are in perfectly acceptable grades...For this year, the quality of the production was high, so collectors have lots of opportunities to purchase nice, problem-free examples."

      The Seated Liberty design was a collaboration of several hands and minds before it appeared on the half dollar and other coins. It was U.S. Mint Director Robert B. Patterson, who, in 1835, was desirous of a new coin that was reminiscent of Britannia on British copper. Artist Thomas Sully was tasked with crafting a rendering of Liberty based on a set of British coins and medals. Then Sully's work was given to the newly hired engraver, Christian Gobrecht, who created a series of drawings before producing a copper die for study and presentation in Washington, D.C. When the new half dollars were produced, starting in 1839, they had an updated reverse that was a freshly engraved version of John Reich's 1807 eagle reverse design--sans the motto and ribbon. The year 1839 saw sculptor Robert Ball Hughes lower the relief, refine the proportions and dynamics of the Liberty, as well as add an eloquent fold of cloth from the right elbow. Thus, the design as we know it today should really be called the "Patterson-Sully-Gobrecht-Hughes" design.