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Liberty Seated Half Dollar varieties are attributed using Bill Bugert's multiple volume "A Register of Liberty Seated Half Dollar Varieties" and will be referenced as WB. Variety collectors are urged to add these Registers to their numismatic libraries.

There are 39 Coins for Sale. Most recent coin added on April 2, 2024

Photo	Date	Grade	TPG	Variety	GFRC Rating	Price	Description	Buy
	1856-O Doubled Date	MS64	PCGS 82121536	WB-102 WB-9	Choice	$2400	Doubled Date, Satiny Cartwheel Luster, Fully Struck, Accurately Graded, Oregon Beaver Collection. Consignor Price Reduction - A premium Mint State offering from the Oregon Beaver Collection with boldly repunched date. The initial date punch was entered with a pronounced upward slant, then partially effaced and correctly re-entered. The variety is not labeled on the PCGS insert. Surfaces are choice with medium golden-brown and jade-green surrounding stars and date area. A lustrous and boldly struck near Gem example with splendidly mark-free fields and devices. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
	1858	MS64	PCGS 29710258		Choice	$1750	Granular Frosted Luster, Vibrant Cartwheels, Light Gold, Near-Gem, Newtown Collection. How I enjoy handling Mint State silver coinage with granular frosted luster and light toning. This Newtown duplicate offers "sparkling" luster during angled light viewing along with pleasing cartwheel action. Overall coloring is a light gold with deeper hues at the rim. Strike is essentially complete with only the left leg eagle feathers being partial. A near-gem with all the right visual credentials. Housed in PCGS Gen 5.0 (2015) Dupont hologram holder.
	1858-O	EF45	PCGS 12146321		Choice	$235	Natural Coin Gray Patina, Steely Fields, Choice Surfaces, New Orleans Collection. A thoroughly pleasing 1858-O that easily garnered a GFRC-Choice quality rating for its natural coin gray patina and steely surfaces. When tilted under a bright light, the fields expose embedded blues and rose. Strike is deeply impressed leading to bold motifs. This New Orleans Collection release is a bargain at the offer price. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder.
	1858-O	EF45	PCGS 39191262	WB-6	Choice	$795	Quadrupled Second 8, Residual Frosted Luster, Choice Surfaces, Newtown Collection. An important 1858-O die variety with at least quadrupled punching of the second 8 digit. Remnants of prior punches are seen in the upper loop, between the based and top loop, and two additional punches to the right of the digit. Were late hours and/or alcohol a factor here? Not only is the variety exciting, but the host piece is fully choice. Though certified as an EF45, this half dollar strike presents substantial amounts of mint frost and resulting luster. Surfaces are 100% original with a light natural gray patina. Worthy of a CAC submission by the new owner as this piece has many attributes of those pieces graded AU50. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
	1858-O	AU53	PCGS 34971000	WB-7	Choice	$480	Choice Original, Newtown Collection. Seated half dollar die variety specialist will note the errant 8 digit found within the base of the rock that marks the WB-7 die pairing. A choice example with steely reflective fields that align well with the certified grade. Obverse pewter-gray contains additional shades of embedded gold. The reverse skin is lighter gray which allows increased luster and cartwheel action. Surfaces a fully choice and unabraded. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
	1859-O	MS63	PCGS 26507636		Choice	$3000	Choice Original, Saw Mill Run Collection.. Frosty, marbled luster hosts a spray of chestnut patina atop gold-olive color in the fields. Original silver shade hides in the protected areas, more so on the obverse. Eagles claws to the left blend together while those to the right are sharp. The flash easily penetrates the medium skin, and the overall eye appeal is more compelling than revealed by the images. CAC has approved 66 pieces total, with ten coins finer. The CAC guide value is $2,400. Housed in a PCGS Gen 4.5 (2012-2013) holder with CAC approval.
	1859-O	AU53	NGC 3586801003		Choice	$425	Steely Fields, Brown-Gray Patina, Unquestionably Choice, Sooner Collection.. Steely fields and brownish-gray toning are immediately evident for this 1859 dated half. A 10x check revealed pristine fields that are sure to delight. Strike is typical for the issue. The New Orleans mint produced 2,834,000 Seated halves that year leading to potential as a type coin. Whether working on circulated halves set or seeking type, this Sooner Collection offering should fit in nicely. Housed in newer NGC holder with edge view insert.
	1860-S	AU55	PCGS 29709106	WB-1	Original	$900	New February 17! Steely Frosted Luster, Light Gold Patina, Hammered Strike, Sooner Collection. A visually pleasing 1860-S WB-1 Seated half that continues the near term release from the Sooner Collection. The hammered strike was immediately noted upon initial inspection. Under a bright light, the surfaces radiate steely-frosted luster along with active cartwheels. This is a near-choice example as a 10x review revealed very faint hairlines in the fields that are not impacting the luster. Housed in PCGS Gen 5.0 (2015) holder.
	1860-S	AU50	PCGS 30451109	WB-1	Choice	$1325	Near-Gem Original.. Silver-gray color fills both sides of this early San Francisco half, with original Mint bloom evident in the protected areas around the stars and legend. Dusty charcoal patina resides at the peripheries, a touch more so on the reverse. WB-1, with a low date and tiny die lump at the top of 1. The CAC population is 22 coins in all grades and the CAC price guide value is $624 in AU50, an exceptional value given the scarcity of this coin in original preservation. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval.
	1861	MS64	NGC 3609725004		Choice	$2125	Crusty Choice Original, Attractive Patina, Accurately Graded, Oregon Beaver Collection. Consignor Price Reduction - Years ago, I quickly grow bored with frosty white Liberty Seated coins and learned to appreciate lightly crusty Mint State coins that were strictly original. GFRC continues that tradition with this 1861 Seated half that is toned with a crusty gray skin along with blue hues. Rose, aquamarine and golden toning rings characterize the reverse and are accentuated by brilliant background luster. Strike is deeply impressed with rounded stars and complete hair curls along with crisply defined eagle feathers and claws. A 10x check could only locate one tiny obverse blemish in the upper left field that is fully toned over. Otherwise the devices and fields are pristine. Housed In newer NGC holder with edge view insert.
	1861-O CSA Obverse	AU50	PCGS 20477385	W-11	Choice	HOLD $4000	New April 7! CSA Obverse, Crusty Original, Storied History, New Orleans Collection. A storied 1861-O release by the New Orleans Collection that is crusty original and choice overall. Our consignor shares the following story concerning this lot; The New Orleans area purchaser acquired the half at an estate sale in the late 1990s as a "set of 4 old coins." It didn't matter to him that he paid too much for the coins because they had a remarkable story...even better he was able to attribute one coin as a CSA half some time later making his investment golden. The original coins' owner had lived in his family's Garden District mansion for most of the 20th century and was having to sell off some personal items to make ends meet in an initial sale around 1992. The mansion had fallen into great disrepair and had been in continual renovation since World War II. It finally went through a second estate sale in the late 90s. In the first sale, the owner let on that his family had lost all of their valuables during the Civil War when a Union General confiscated them. It was General Benjamin “Spoons” Butler who had become known in the history books for just this. Butler had acquired the infamous nickname ‘Spoons’ from his reputation for stealing silverware among other valuables from area homes in which he resided. It was told that the '4 coins' were squirreled away as some of the only possessions not found and pilfered by Spoons. They actually were unknown to the owner until renovations revealed them and just before the final estate sale in 98-99. This CSA half was found hidden on the 3rd floor along with a 60-o dollar, 58-o half and 61 half. All 4 of the coins have the same super-original patina and all are just barely circulated. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder with CSA Obverse designation on the label. Immediately sold upon being showcased in the Daily Blog.
	1864-S	AU55	PCGS 13037231	WB-1	Choice	$1650	Granular Frosted Luster, Choice Original, Lakeland Collection. Granular, frosted luster hosts scattered bits of charcoal color at the rims, while smoky gray patina fills the fields. The strike is deeply impressed, with the usual problem area of the eagle's left leg sharply detailed. GFRC does not micro-split our ratings, but this piece might be better evaluated as "Choice Plus." WB-1, with the date punched to the right and the mintmark tilted to the left. The PCGS price guide is $1,750. Housed in a PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder. Ex New Jersey Collection.
	1866 With Motto	AU55	PCGS 13276489		Choice	$1100	Near-Gem Original, Grimjet Collection.. Residual luster remains evident under the thick skin of the lower-mintage Philadelphia example. Intense blue color clings to the protected areas, while deep tan and chestnut color fills the fields. Although not scarce, the Mint struck less than a million pieces in this year, moving this issue solidly outside of a "type coin" classification. CAC has certified 30 pieces in all grades, with 14 coins finer. The CAC guide value is $546. Ex. Dr. Glenn Peterson Collection. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval.
	1867	PF62	ANACS 7280619		Choice	$1100	Choice Original, Minimally Hairlined for Grade, Emerald Collection.. A liberal splash of russet color blankets the obverse of this proof piece, while the reverse toning is a bit lighter. The strike is hammered, as expected for a proof example, and a comparison with a poorly struck circulation piece quickly reveals the sharpness of this coin - the star centers are distinct, the claw joints are well-separated, and individual feathers are plainly clear. A few field hairlines are evident, consistent with the assigned grade. Although not certified by PCGS, the PCGS price guide value of $1,650 is noted as a reference point. Housed in a new yellow label ANACS holder. PCGS #6425.
	1867	MS64	NGC 2135269005		Choice	$4100	Magnificent Eye Appeal, Lightly Mirrored, Hammered Strike, Osprey Collection. The Osprey Collection relentlessly scours the European coin market for GFRC inventory and has scored a major victory with this magnificent 1867 Seated half. Pastel peach-gold and light blue toning is illuminated by the underlying partially mirrored fields. Under a bright light, the radiance is pronounced and thoroughly eye catching. Adding to the viewing pleasure is a hammered strike with every minute device detailed fully impressed. Unobtrusive contact in the lower right obverse field precludes full gem certification though the visual presentation is at that level. Certain to please the advanced collector who desires top shelf specimens in an advanced collection. Housed in new large font NGC holder.
	1868	MS64	NGC 4479845005		Gem	$3850	Luster Bomb! Exceptional Eye Appeal, Gem Original, Oregon Beaver Collection. As we continue the Oregon Beaver Seated half dollar collection release, this 1868 half fully warrants its "luster bomb" classification! A magnificently struck example and decidedly semi-prooflike but with hints of granular frost. The bright light radiance is truly remarkable with hints of light pink on the obverse. The mintage of just 417,600 pieces remains consistent with the prior Civil War era. Randy Wiley and Bill Bugert, in their Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Half Dollars via DLRC Press publication, assign Mint State examples an R-5 rarity rating, confirming the significance of the present "Beaver" offering for advanced collectors. Housed in new large font NGC holder. This lot has a strong pedigree tracing back to the Vanderbilt Collection of U.S. Coins sold by Stacks Bowers during March 2018. The pedigree further extends to The Fraser Collection Lot #373 as sold by Stacks March 17, 1978. The original paper 2x2 envelope from the Fraser Collection Sale will be included with the purchase. Please don't miss this opportunity as coins of stature infrequently arrive to the marker place.
	1869	PR62	PCGS 16016298		Choice	$1250	Watery Mirrors, Briiliant Reflectance, Light Hairlines Consistent with Grade. The saying "eye appeal of a higher grade" is assuredly relevant for this choice 1869 proof Seated half. This survivor arrives from a mintage of 1,150 with its watery mirrors and sharp reflectance that excel under a bright light. GFRC images suggest a strong obverse cameo effect which is also apparent with angled lighting. Transparent orange-purple is revealed on the obverse while the reverse retains its peripheral rose-gold. This piece is accurately graded as there are faint hairlines in the obverse fields. I paid strong to acquire this piece and just seeking a fair finder's fee as this lot is most attractive. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder with CAC approval.
	1870-S	MS62	PCGS 81163610	WB-1	Original	$3500	Rare Date at Grade, Near-Choice Original, Oregon Beaver Collection.. Brilliant, frosty luster with swirling cartwheels blankets both sides of this wildly toned San Francisco piece. A silver palette hosts patchy sea-blue patina, with liberal smears of chocolate color atop the surfaces. A couple stars are soft but the claw joints are sharply impressed. WB-1, with date to the left and the first two digits weak. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder. This piece is scarce at this grade level, and PCGS has graded only 13 examples finer. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
	1871-S	EF45	PCGS 84040616	WB-6	Original	$245	Light Gray Patina, Residual Luster. Light gray coloration is seen on this 1871-S WB-6 Seated half. Bright light inspection exposes residual luster with traces of mint frost in the protected areas. Fairly priced. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
	1873-CC With Arrows	AU58	NGC 582267003	WB-4	Original	$6000	New March 31! Key Carson City Issue, Near-Choice Original.. The 1873-CC issue is among the tougher Carson City half dollars, if not as challenging as the 1870-CC, 1874-CC, and 1878-CC dates. This pastel-toned piece exhibits obverse shades of gold intermingled with maroon, while the reverse reveals more uniform plum patina. Luster is typical for the grade, with swirling cartwheels. The strike is typical, with star centers present if faint, while the claw joints blend together. Arrows were added to this design as a result of the April 1, 1873 Coinage Act, which slightly modified the weight of the coin to a metric standard. The NGC census reports 14 pieces in all MS grades combined. This near-MS coin, with just minor traces of wear, represents an attractive, well-detailed example of a semi-key issue from the most desired Mint in the Liberty Seated series. Housed in NGC Gen 7 (1997-2000) holder. PCGS #6344
	1874 With Arrows	MS64	NGC 3603430010		Choice	$3650	With Arrows, Choice Original.. A near-gem Seated half dollar lot which is ideal for an advanced collection of the series or for type. Copper-rose patina overlays the obverse while bluish-gold appears on the reverse. This 1874 half is so close to fully struck with only the left facing eagle claw not being completely raised. Uniform frosted luster is activated with angled lighting. A stray ancient line between stars 11 and 12 is seen with 10x. CAC has approved seven at grade with eight finer. Housed in newer NGC holder with edge view insert and CAC approval.
	1874-CC With Arrows	MS63	PCGS 42549453	WB-1 R6	Choice	$34500	Key Date, Substantially Prooflike, Near-Gem Original, Oregon Beaver Collection. The "Beaver" has dug deep into his bank box as we continue to market and sell his Liberty Seated half dollar collection. GFRC is proud to be offering his 1874 Carson City half that is accurately graded and provides first class eye appeal for a series key date. The small mintage of 59,000 pieces was accomplished by three die pairs, with this WB-1 die marriage being the rarest of the group. This is an unquestionably choice specimen with partially proof like fields and a bold central strike. Dappled tan-brown and golden toning decorates each side. Slight weakness at some of the star centers and Liberty's upper hair curls is nicely balanced by a deeply impressed reverse eagle with well-defined claws. With a 10x, several well hidden micro lines in the right obverse field are noted. PCGS population is three at the certified grade with only three finer. I can't overstate this "Beaver" opportunity for those building an advanced Liberty Seated half dollar collection. Last sold by Heritage during June 2021. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2023) holder.
	1875	MS64+	PCGS 82229748		Gem	HOLD $1550	New April 9! Exceptional Eye Appeal, Granular Frosted Luster, Fully Struck. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder. Immediately sold upon being showcased in the Daily Blog.
	1875	MS64	PCGS 25343389		Choice	$1870	Beautifully Toned, Steely Reflective Luster, Vibrant Cartwheels, CAC Aaaproval, Oregon Beaver Collection. Consignor Price Reduction - GFRC wraps up its latest Oregon Beaver presentation with a beautifully toned 1875 half that just screams originality. Peach-gold tones cover the obverse along with a thin peripheral blue arc while the reverse is golden with darker shades at the legend. Luster is a high point as steely reflectance is readily apparent under angled lighting. Vibrant cartwheels are equally pleasing. The CAC green bean is well deserve. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.5 (2012-2013) holder with CAC approval.
	1875-CC	MS62	PCGS 45436025	WB-4	Choice	$2950	New March 31! Challenging Late Date, Granular Frosted Luster, Choice Original.. While not as scarce as the earlier Carson City issues, the 1875-CC still boasts a lower mintage, just over a million pieces, along with the prized "CC" mintmark. Granular min frost is consistent on both sides and suggests that the head and tail dies were prepared together before time in the "press". Surfaces are essentially untoned with thick frosted radiance under a bright light. The overall eye appeal is compelling as the darker peripheral reverse toning is lighter on the coin than the images. This is a sharply struck example with all of the claw joints defined. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2024) holder. PCGS #6350
	1875-S	MS66	PCGS 25600278	Unlisted	Gem	$6500	Gem Original, Oregon Beaver Collection.. Even coffee patina covers the obverse center of this high-grade San Francisco piece, with original silver color remaining in the protected areas. The reverse reveals intermixed steel, tan, and deep maroon color throughout. A few stars are softly impressed. Despite a mintage of 3.2 million examples, CAC notes 60 coins total, a remarkably low total. The CAC census includes ten pieces in MS66 and just two examples finer, both in MS67. The CAC price guide value is $6,000. With a price jump to $21,600 in MS67, this is the finest example one can hope to acquire in the mid-four figure range. Ex. Eric P. Newman (Heritage Auctions, November 16, 2013, lot 33741, there certified NGC MS66, realized $11,750), previously from the Colonel E. H. R. Green collection. Housed in PCGS Gen 5.0 (2015) holder with CAC approval. The "Colonel" Green-Newman pedigree is listed on the label.
	1875-S	AU58	PCGS 21297399	WB-2	Choice	HOLD $525	Small Wide S, Choice Original.. Pleasing rose patina evenly covers the obverse of this San Francisco piece and is present to a lesser extent on the reverse. Frosty luster is ample and most evident within the protected areas of the stars and legend. WB-2, with die damage in the obverse shield and a die crack connecting S and T in TRUST. Nicely struck, with most claw joints separated. Silver coinage production in the mid-1870s was extensive, and, while this coin is not particularly scarce, it remains an eye appealing, near-Mint State example. Housed in a PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder. PCGS #6351.
	1876	PR63	PCGS 84766511		Choice	$1400	Watery Mirrors, Brilliant Reflectance, Wire Rims, Purple-Rose Toning. Mintage for the 1876 proof issue was limited to 700 pieces with most survivors located between the MS62 through MS64 grades. The key when purchasing proof Seated coinage is striking (no pun intended) the right balance between eye appeal and preservation. This lovely example features sharp reflectance with minimum field hairlines for the certified grade. Mirrors have a watery texture when swirling this piece under a bright light. Toning is a nature purple-rose and most likely results from being stored in a felt lined cabinet. A careful 10x review will reveal a few wispy hairlines but nothing obvious or distracting. A solidly graded example that will please the new owner. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
	1877	MS66+	PCGS 82248342		Gem	$8500	Gem Original, Oregon Beaver Collection.. Booming, frosty luster flows from the glass-smooth surfaces of this GFRC-rated Gem example. Centers are untoned and lead toward russet patina that intensifies at the rims. This is the preferred “look” of many collectors, as the brilliant silver color in the central devices contrasts with evolving shades in the fields. The toning scheme on both sides is virtually identical, a characteristic associated with originally preserved pieces. Star centers are well defined, while most of the claws exhibit separation if faintly so. The CAC census includes 75 pieces total, with only three coins finer, all in MS67. PCGS counts but four pieces at the MS67 level, reinforcing the rarity of this issue in the highest grades. The CAC price guide value is $7,500, while PCGS quotes $8,000. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval.
	1877	MS66+	PCGS 45243280		Gem	$7500	Exceptional Eye Appeal, Superb Gem, Oustanding Type Candidate, Osprey Collection. An exceptionally beautiful 1877 Seated half that would boldly complement the finest early silver type sets under construction. This piece would also fit in nicely for those seeking premium Mint State halves. Unfortunately, the GFRC images are unable to accurately illustrate the granular frosted luster that actively interacts with the rose-gold and peripheral blue shades. Angled lighting further exposes the vibrant cartwheel action. As also expected from a gem graded 66+, the strike is all there. The darker thin lines in the right obverse field are toning lines. CAC has approved and graded 78 in all grades, not a surprise given the high mintage. At the offer grade, 14 have been approved with 3 finer. The PCGS MS66+ grade is well represented by this example and then some. Yet another superb find by the Osprey Collection. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2023) holder.
	1877	MS65+	PCGS 25559686		Gem	$4000	Gem Original, Newtown Collection.. Dancing cartwheels boom from the surfaces of this colorful half, which exhibits a wash of russet and tan color highlighted by electric blue patina at the rims. Ample, frosty luster easily penetrates the medium skin, and the images do not completely convey the compelling in-hand eye appeal. Obverse star centers are sharp, while some feathers on the eagle's left leg blend together. CAC notes 71 pieces in all grades, with 17 coins finer. The CAC price guide is $3,250 in MS65 and $7,500 in MS66. Housed in a PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder.
	1877-S	MS62	NGC 340421041		Choice	$700	Eye Appeal of Higher Grade, Choice Original, LaSalle Collection.. Steely reflective fields are brilliant on this new LaSalle Collection release as another client begins to disposition a bank box. Orange-gold obverse toning shifts to light gold on the reverse, primarily at the periphery. Strike is hammered with all motifs, and their intricate details being deeply impressed. This piece is accurately graded given the surface chatter that is seen in both fields and on Liberty's mid-section. Overall, a very pleasing certified MS62 that accounts for minor surface aberrations while the luster is superior. Housed in NGC Gen 7 (1997-2000) holder. Please note that the untoned area on the lower reverse is a photography artifact with the in-hand and bright light coloration being much more uniform than portrayed. PCGS #6357.
	1877-S	AU50	ANACS OWH 394774		Choice	$285	New March 28! Steely Reflective Luster, Peripheral Gold, Notable Eye Appeal, Fairly Priced. ANACS old white holders continue to be a consistent supply of quality early type coins. Case in point is this fresh Spring Baltimore consignment. This is a steely reflective example with untoned centers surrounded by peripheral gold. The visuals under angled lighting are quite pleasing. Strike is complete too. Housed in ANACS old white holder.
	1877-S	MS65	PCGS 36495212	WB-104	Gem	$3250	Gem Original, Thick Frosty Luster, Newtown Collection. A gorgeous gem-graded half with swirling shades of blue and rose, this piece will captivate even the most grizzled coin veteran. Frosty luster booms from both sides, and the eye appeal is exceptional. The strike is full, with sharp stars and most eagle feathers distinct. This is the WB-104 variety, type 2 reverse with closed bud beneath the branch leaves. The next owner will derive substantial enjoyment from this premium quality example. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 holder with CAC approval.
	1878-CC	VF30	PCGS OGH 5249605	WB-1	Original	$3850	New April 2! Key Carson City Issue, Near-Choice Original.. Carson City coinage is among the most desired in the entire Seated series, with low mintage figures appearing frequently in the Guide Book. Within the half dollars, the 1870-CC, 1874-CC, and 1878-CC coins are the keys to the Carson City set, and examples in all grades are highly prized. The present VF30 piece is remarkably advanced in the PCGS census, in the top 30% of all examples, as most survivors tend to be highly worn. This lightly toned coin exhibits silver-gray color on both sides, more intensely on the reverse. A few field lines are consistent with the VF30 grade. The bold, all-important CC mintmark signifies the rarity of this well-preserved Branch Mint example. PCGS notes 196 coins total, with 11 pieces in VF30 and 45 examples finer. The PCGS price guide value in VF30 is $5,000. Housed in PCGS Gen 3.1 (1993-1998) holder. PCGS #6359
	1879	MS65	PCGS 29975015		Gem	$3950	Gem Original, Newtown Collection.. The low-mintage, 1879-1890 runs are well known to Liberty Seated half and quarter dollar enthusiasts, and this 12-coin group might easily stand on its own as a "set within a set." The present example, from the inaugural year of this run, presents a thick skin of smoky grey patina with sea-green highlights in the protected areas. Steely, frosted luster creates swirling cartwheels, and the eye appeal is compelling. Stars are sharply impressed, while a few of the feathers on the eagle's left leg are soft. The CAC census notes 79 examples in all grades, with 30 coins finer. The CAC price guide is $4,120. Housed in PCGS Gen 5.0 (2015) Dupont hologram holder with CAC approval.
	1882	MS66	PCGS 84160059		Gem	$5650	Superb Gem, Proof Like Fields, Fully Struck and Pleasing, Oregon Beaver Collection. 1882 brought the third consecutive year during which the Philadelphia mint dramatic curtailed Seated quarter and half dollar production due to waning demand along with a shift to Morgan dollars. Mintage was a tiny 4,400 strikes with most survivors found with proof like fields resulting in cameo contrasts. The "Beaver" continues to divest his Liberty Seated half dollar collection and is releasing this superb gem example. One immediately notes the undisturbed watery mirrors under angled lighting that provide substantial reflective flash. Peripheral gold provides a lovely accent to the mostly untoned surfaces. The strike is needle sharp with meticulously detailed motifs and squared letters in the reverse legend. Traces of micro-shatter are well hidden on the leg and gown while the fields are unabraded. This is unquestionably an eye appeal play for those that like their Seated halves with bold luster. PCGS has certified 9 at the offered grade with 4 finer. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
	1885	MS66	PCGS 33425886		Gem	$8500	Late Date Low Mintage Issue, Gem Original, Oregon Beaver Collection.. Few Liberty Seated dollars were struck between 1879 and 1890 due to a lack of commercial demand. Though sporting a mintage of 5,200, Mint State survivors are available with the median grade being MS63. The newest Oregon Beaver bank box releases is an MS66 example and only one of five certified at grade with another five finer. Rich frosted luster erupts once placing this piece under my LED desk lamp. Swirling cartwheels are quite satisfying too. Toning is intermixed aquamarine, rose, and yellow-gold. Strike is complete with raised center star points and bold motifs. There is on tick on the upper left facing arm and a trace of micro-chatter in the right obverse field. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
	1885	MS65	PCGS 41344564		Gem	$5750	Gem Original, Newtown Collection.. This is a piece that has to be seen in-hand to fully appreciate the deeply original surfaces and swirling cartwheels. Medium to thick rose skin covers both sides and leads toward blue crescents at the rims. The frosty luster is fully Gem and further highlights the old-time color of this low-mintage example. Star centers are completely delineated, while a few of the claw joints meld as one. CAC has approved 28 pieces in all grades, with three coins finer. The CAC guide price is $6,000, a reasonable level for a near-finest known example. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2022) holder with CAC approval.
	1887	MS66	PCGS 25798403		Gem	$5500	Gem Original, Newtown Collection.. Maroon and rose patina fill the fields of this late-date Philadelphia half, while blue and charcoal shades flood the rims and protected areas. Design elements all rise above the toning, and the contrast is pleasing. The flash is exceptional, consistent with the technical grade, and showcases the thick color. Indeed, this piece must be seen in-hand to be fully appreciated. Stars to the right are softly impressed, while claw joints exhibit minimal separation. CAC has approved 30 pieces in all grades, with six coins in MS66 and five examples finer, all in MS67. The CAC price guide value in MS66 is $6,000. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval.
	1889	AU58	NGC 1774743013		Choice	$1600	Choice Original, New Jersey Collection.. Lustrous, untoned surfaces host faint hints of color at the rims, while white, frosted luster radiates from the protected areas. This piece was likely dipped in the past, with a few hairlines evident. Nicely struck, with significant detail in the claw joints. Production was low in this year, 12,000 pieces, as the Philadelphia Mint churned out millions of Morgan dollars. Business strikes are today scarcer than proofs, with NGC reporting 129 circulation strike coins, as compared to 204 proof examples. The NGC price guide is $1,100. Housed in an NGC Gen 14 (2003-2004) holder.
	1890	EF40	NGC 5938753010		Choice	$1200	New March 28! Low Mintage Philadelphia Date, Natural Coin Gray, Residual Steely Luster, Typical CAC Approved Surfaces. 1890 brought the last of the low-mintage half dollar years as a result of the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which shifted much of the Mint's production capacity from minor denominations to Morgan dollars. Only 12,000 1890 halves were struck at the Philadelphia mint. Surfaces are consistent with what is being seen holdered in CAC Grading holders. Fields retain steely luster under a bright light. Overall CAC population is 30 with the majority being at the Mint State level with substantial premiums. This is the lone EF40 approved example with only four better through AU58. If seeking a CAC approved 1890 half with incredible originality, this new Whitman Baltimore purchase is a slam-dunk for the wise collector. Housed in NGC large font holder with CAC approval.