1959 50C, DCAM PR(PCGS#96700)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

4318

Grade

PR65DCAM

Price

2,160

Lot Description

A phenomenal strike rarity that features exceptionally pronounced cameo contrast between frosty design elements and deeply mirrored fields. Brilliant and beautiful. With a generous mintage of 1,149,291 pieces, the Proof 1959 half dollar is hardly a rare issue in an absolute sense. On the other hand, Rick Tomaska (<em>A Guide Book of Franklin & Kennedy Half Dollars</em>, 2023) asserts that "far less" than 1% of the mintage qualifies for even a Cameo designation from today's major third party certification services. The author describes Deep/Ultra Cameo specimens as "<em>Extremely</em> rare!" and further describes the 1959 as one of the key date issues in the Proof Franklin half dollar series with this finish. Certainly the coin offered here represents a fleeting bidding opportunity for the advanced Franklin half dollar enthusiast.