NNP

1845 50C PR65 NGC. R.7 as a proof. Unlike the smaller silver proofs, there is no date repunching on the half dollar, although an oblong die chip appears below the left side of the 8. A few other raised die chips are noted on the obverse of this Gem proof. The 84 appear to touch. Several of the vertical shield lines on the reverse extend into the horizontal crossbars. The reverse has a delicate die crack from the bottom right serif of F in HALF that extends into the field below the adjacent D. Just above the crack is a faint die line that connects those letters. The same dies were used for all the 1845 proof half dollars. We reoffered the Kaufman 1845 proof half dollar in our January 2013 FUN Signature sale, where we presented an updated roster of five known proofs, including one in the Smithsonian Institution. The Newman Collection example is a sixth proof, and second finest known behind the Premium Gem Pittman-Kaufman specimen. The 1845 proof half dollars include the PR66 NGC Pittman specimen; the PR65 NGC Newman example that is offered here; the PR64 NGC specimen from our May 2008 sale; the PR63 PCGS Eliasberg specimen; a proof specimen in the Smithsonian Institution; and a proof example in the July 1978 New England Rare Coins Auctions sale. The Queller and Byers half dollar collections both lacked proofs of this issue. The beautiful Gem Newman example has rich peripheral violet and blue toning around light silver at the center of the obverse, with similar blue, violet, and champagne toning around rich reddish-orange on the reverse. Both sides are sharply detailed with fully mirrored fields and satin devices. From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 3905, realized $35250.00. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.