1893 50C Columbian PR(PCGS#9298)

The March 2012 Baltimore Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

4169

等级

PR63

价格

144,910

详细说明

1893 Columbian Exposition. Proof-63 (NGC). The Proof World's Columbian Exposition commemorative half dollar is rare as a type, the original mintage for both the 1892 and 1893 combined amounting to&nbsp;only about 105-110 coins.&nbsp;The vast majority of Proofs struck are of the first year 1892; the only <em>officially </em>minted Proof of the second year 1893 is the first coin, which was struck January 3 that year and presented to president of the Exposition Harlow N. Higinbotham.That coin was eventually turned over to the Chicago Historical Society, where it still resided as of the date of publication of the book <em>The Encyclopedia of United States Silver &amp; Gold Commemorative Coins: 1892-1989 </em>by Anthony Swiatek and Walter Breen.<br /> As of this writing, PCGS and NGC combined have certified just two examples of the 1893 Columbian Exposition half dollar in Proof format (PCGS Proof-64 and the present NGC Proof-63). Since neither of those coins represent the Higinbotham-Chicago Historical Society specimen, it is obvious that a few other Proof 1893 Columbian halves were&nbsp;struck at some point in time during production of that issue. The Proof&nbsp;attributes of this coin are impressive, and we note a well mirrored finish, broad and crisply denticulated borders as well as a full strike that is particularly noteworthy on the ship's rigging in the center of the reverse. Delicate reddish-gold peripheral iridescence further enhances the eye appeal, and there are only wispy handling marks to define the grade. A rare and important bidding opportunity for the advanced collector of classic commemorative coins.<br /> <br /> <strong>Numismatic Reflections by Q. David Bowers<br /> </strong>The &ldquo;Proof&rdquo; Columbian half dollars are, to quote Winston Churchill, a mystery wrapped up in an enigma. As a long time student of commemorative coins, I have never seen any information relating to an official coinage in Proof format. Years ago it was common practice