1833 1/2C Half Cent, NGC PF64 BN Ex: Eliasberg - Proof early copper is among the rarest and most appealing series of all American Proof coins. As regular Proof production did not start until a few years after the large cents and half cents had been discontinued, all are rare and their existence is a matter of chance. This is an original, near gem piece, pedigreed to the famous collection of Louis Eliasberg.

All 1833 half cent, circulation strikes and proofs, were struck from a single die pair (B-1, C-1, R-5 in Proof). As such, identifying Proof strikes has to be done on physical appearance of the coin, and not on die markers and die states. For example, the obverse of this particular coin shows a large die break, from star 8-13. This would be virtually unseen on later Proof coins, but is commonly found on these issues.

According to Breen, this die crack can only seen on the latest Proofs, die state IV. After this die state had been struck in Proof, the dies were further utilized for business strikes until severely clashed and cracked. Most have been cleaned, damaged or are in lower grades. The present offering represents a great coin at a relatively low prize for such a rarity, with estimates usually being approximately fifty pieces known in all grades, a fairly high number of Proofs for this era and denomination. Breen gives a possible reason for this as well:

These may have been made in large quantities to celebrate the opening of the new Mint [2nd Philadelphia Mint], which commenced in January, 1833.

Further diagnostics of this Proof strike are the reflective surfaces, which are found under medium toning of blue, turquoise and purple when tilted. The strike is extremely sharp, much better than usually found on business strikes. A very original and rare coin for the conscious collector of early Proof coinage or half cents.