Mintage: 1,956,000

At different times, cataloguers would have described this coin as Proof-like in appearance. It does indeed possess characteristics of a well detailed piece struck on a polished planchet, using polished dies. Every raised device is boldly struck, there is contrast between the central devices and the lightly mirrored fields, and there are raised die polish lines criss-crossing much of the reverse side. Added to these Proof-coin characteristics are the dramatic diagnostics of predominant clash marks, one of which forms a V-like shape in the field to the right of Ms. Liberty’s pole-holding arm. As there appears to have been experiments in striking Presentation-piece coins at the Carson City Mint in 1876, there is good evidence to suggest the coin offered here received special attention when it was made.

At least one previous owner of this stunning half dollar saw the need to dip it in a cleaning solution. The result is we have a coin almost devoid of natural toning although there are shades of several colors around the peripheries on both sides.

A few scattered contact marks and some swirling hairlines are visible on both sides. None of these post-production abrasions detract from this specimen’s eye appeal. Even with its relatively low grade, the coin exudes a dignity rarely seen on higher quality examples of this date.
All the diagnostics conclude that this piece is a WB-33 variety as described in Bill Bugert’s A Register of Liberty Seated Half Dollar Varieties Carson City Branch Mint (2010).

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