Prooflike US Type Set
1/2C CORONET (1849-1857)

Owner Comments:

Total Graded: 4252
Total Prooflike: 1
Percentage: 0.0235%

Prooflike copper seems to be harder to find than other metals, as does nickel. My current theory is that the harder metal wore away the fine finish on the new dies faster than a softer metal would, such as silver or gold. Prooflike half cents are incredibly rare – my present coin being the only one graded by NGC for the entire Coronet series. When I discussed this coin with Mark Feld, he said that PL half cents are very unusual, as are large cents. Some people I have showed this coin to are of the opinion that it may be a proof, but after consulting with leading early copper dealers, I am not convinced. The mushiness of the strike in several places, along with an absence of squared rims, indicates this is a true prooflike strike. Most likely, it was struck with old proof dies.

I acquired it in a Heritage Auction in 2010. The luscious, chocolate brown mirrored surfaces give hints of blue and pink tones when angled just right under the light. For a business strike, the impression is very strong. Mark free surfaces fully deserve the lofty 65 grade. This is a keeper, a unique coin worth holding tightly.