VERY RARE 1879 PROOF HALF EAGLE IN PCGS PR64CAM, ex Bass

Every series, from Roosevelt dimes to Proof double eagles, has its share of issues that specialists consider to be “undervalued” or “overlooked.” I consider the rare Proof 1879 half eagle to qualify in both of those categories. Only 30 Proofs were made, and I don’t believe that more than 12-15 are known.

The first thing that catches your eye when you view this coin is its distinctive coloration which is a blend of deep reddish-golds which change to a steel-blue hue as the coin is tilted towards a light source. Careful examination reveals a requite number of wispy lines in the obverse fields.

No PR64 example of this date has sold at auction since 2011. In 1/2025, there is a record of $66,000 for a PCGS/CAC PR64+ DCAM, and the same coin sold for $78,000 in the 2023 ANA.

Ex Stout Collection via DWN by private treaty in 2017; Heritage 6/2011: 4670 at $29,900; Bowers and Merena 10/2000: 534 at $21,850.

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