1855/54 50C Arrows PR(PCGS#6409)

Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2093

Grade

PR63

Price

21,960

Lot Description

Virtually brilliant surfaces on this rare and attractive Proof half dollar. The strike is generally sharp with most features fully rendered, although accuracy compels us to mention some softness along the upper obverse border and at the eagle's right leg and talon on the reverse. Both sides are uniformly mirrored in finish and show nice reflectivity as the surfaces dip into a light. A rare and significant offering for advanced collectors of Liberty Seated coinage, this coin would serve as a highlight in an advanced cabinet.<p>As with all pre-1859 U.S. Mint Proof issues, the 1855 half dollar is a significant rarity. Only 18 to 22 specimens are believed extant from an unknown mintage that is estimated at 30 coins. (These figures per John W. Dannreuther, <em>United States Proof Coins</em>, 2005 volume.) Fewer than half of the survivors are examples of the 1855/54 overdate represented here. This variety was discovered by Walter Breen in 1970 when examining a circulation strike 1855 half dollar in Lester Merkin's sale of September of that year (lot 446). Proof strikings from this obverse die were discovered by our own Q. David Bowers. In addition to their rarity, Proof 1855/54 half dollars enjoy strong numismatic demand due to the brevity of the Arrows, No Motto Liberty Seated half dollar design, a type that is particularly elusive in this format. (The only other issue of this type, the 1854, is also a legendary rarity as a Proof.) With offerings expectably few and far between in today's market, we encourage interested parties to enter strong bids for impressive piece.