McGuigan's Gem Red Proof-Only 1836 Half Cent
Breen 1 (Dies 1-A), Cohen EO-12 : Small Date. Large Berries reverse, point of highest leaf barely right of left edge of foot of final S. First use of new dies.
While their fame has diminished somewhat over the years, the Proof-Only Half Cents of 1836 were once considered among the classics of American numismatics. Richard Coleman’s 2004 roster published in Penny-Wise #223 included 49 coins in total, which likely included First Restrikes from a later state of this same die pair. PCGS reports 33 coins as “Originals”, and 6 more as “First Restrikes”. In total, a fair estimate of roughly three to four dozen survivors is likely. As a comparison, PCGS reports over 600 Proof 1895 Morgan Dollars certified, an issue long considered to have been struck only in Proof format.
This is a true Gem Proof of this issue, with unmistakably original fiery orange-copper mint color. Boldly struck from perfect dies, the fields are well mirrored and in contrast with the raised devices. A few obverse spots set the grade, the more notable including one above star 5, another lower left of star 10, and another touching the upper outside point of star 12. There is a curving lint mark on Liberty’s upper cheek, and another on the bridge of her nose.
This is the sole 1836 Half Cent certified by PCGS as “Red”, and a strong contender for the finest known of the issue with Floyd Starr’s PCGS PR66RB #53980804.
Confusingly, Breen’s color plate includes a photo mule for 1836 Originals, using the obverse of what was PCGS PR65RB #02540474 and the reverse of this PR65+RD.
PCGS #30451316
Provenance
Hollis Page; Dr. Thomas Hall, privately, September 1909; Virgil M. Brand; Brand Estate; New Netherlands Coin Co., privately, September 1951 to Harold Bareford; William J. Bareford; Jules Reiver (all per Heritage Auctions 8/2022); Jim McGuigan; Heritage Auctions sale of the James R. McGuigan Collection, August 2022, lot 3126 at $132,000.