Owner Comments:
1858 50C PR66 Cameo NGC. Although this year marked the beginning of a regular program to make Proof coins available to collectors, essentially marking the start of active numismatic happenings in this country, sales were slim during the year, and today few Proofs survive. The historically reported mintage figure of 80 coins dates from the Chapman Brothers, who suggested that number were struck. It is possible that they were reporting an figure from some earlier numismatist. Today, however, it is conceded that the actual "true" mintage is in the neighborhood of 300 coins. Even this figure is subject to discussion. To date, PCGS and NGC have combined to certify 115 examples of this date, with just five of those certified as Cameo Proofs. It is not known what percentage of this total includes resubmissions, however, we believe that not more than about 50 different examples survive.
That offered in this lot has exceptional contrast with fully lustrous devices and nicely mirrored fields. The center of each side is essentially brilliant with just a wisp of champagne color, surrounded by deeper gold, lilac, and blue toning. The surfaces have a few minor lint marks and other blemishes, but only a single raised bubble in the field below the inside base of the final A serves to mark the pedigree. This is the finest certified Cameo Proof example of the date, and may represent one of the most appealing examples regardless of designation. Population: 1 in 66 Cameo, none finer. 8/08