Exceptional Proof 1842 Fifty-Cent Piece to be Auctioned by Heritage!

Dallas, Texas: Heritage Galleries & Auctioneers (HG&A) will auction an 1842 50C PR65 NGC Ex: Norweb at their official January 3-7, 2006 Florida United Numismatists Signature Auction.

"This is a very attractive coin," said Greg Rohan, President of HG&A, "and one of only four known to exist. Of the other three, one is held in a private collection, one resides in the Smithsonian Institution, and the last is owned by the American Numismatic Society. The rarity of this coin cannot be overstated."

"The obverse is toned in attractive champagne-golden shadings while the reverse is much deeper with mottled blue and gray coloration over that side," said Rohan. "A tiny, identifying nick is seen in the fields near the drapery; otherwise the surfaces are exceptionally clean and problem-free.

"Like the proof Quarters of the same date," Rohan continued, "proof 1842 Halves seem to have all been struck from Small Date dies. A Large Date variant was reportedly offered in the Brand-Lichtenfels Sale, but this remains unverified. The difference between the Small Date Quarters and Halves is that the Half Dollars are known (but scarce) as business strikes with the smaller date variant. Proof 1842 Halves are extremely rare, as one can see from the roster above, and the offering of this coin presents a rare opportunity for the specialist to acquire one of only two pieces known outside institutional holdings."

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