All Proof Braided Half Cent are rare. Of the entire Proof Half Cent series, only one coin is recognized as the ultimate rarity in the entire series, an unobtainable date the famed 1851 1/2C. From a mintage of just 5 only 3 are known today. Rarer than the $10 million 1804 $1 or numerous other million dollar coins, this example is clearly one if not the finest for this penultimate rarity. A PR64+ BN NON CAC and a A PR65 RB CAC and this example certified by PCGS as PR64 BN GOLD CAC complete the entire population for this 1851 Proof Half Cent. With the other two coins in tightly held collections, ESM( High Desert) Collection & D.L.Hansen Collection, in fact even the unbelievable McGuigan Collection sold by Heritage did not have any 1851 1/2C Proof.

We believe firstly that this example is clearly a RB example. Secondly it is at-least a 65+ if not 66. Thus we would conservatively grade this 65+ RB PCGS CAC and we believe CAC clearly agrees thus being finer than the ESM PR65 RB PCGS CAC. CAC Price Guide of PR65 BN is $72,000 and PCGS Price Guide is $65,000, which we believe if anything this is absolutely a RB. CAC Price Guide at 65 RB is $86,400, whilst PCGS Price Guide $75,000 respectfully.

Comparing the sale to a more common 1850 1/2C Proof, where the mintage of 12 instead of 5 with a total number of survivors of likely 10-12, a PR65+ RB PCGS CAC from the McGuigan Collection sold 08/22 for $78,000, a coin that is significantly less rare and less coveted than the offered 1851 1/2C. This coin will surpass any record.

If there ever was a Half Cent one needed for a type set on an absolute rarity scale this would be it. It sits at the top of US Numismatics and surely will only appreciate upwards. 

PCGS Cert Verification #46004288

• CAC POP - 1/0

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