Gem 1863 Half Eagle Proof Rarity Featured in our November 2025 Showcase Auction

Presented in lot 3127 of the Rarities Night session of our November 2025 Showcase Auction is the legendary 1863 Liberty Head half eagle. This dazzling Gem Cameo Proof is among the finest known for this exceedingly rare issue. A tiny planchet void (as made) in the right obverse field between stars 9 and 10 serves as a hallmark for this piece. The vivid golden-yellow surfaces are otherwise free of singularly mentionable blemishes, as expected given the Proof-65 numeric grade from PCGS. The fields are deeply mirrored and form a splendid backdrop to frosty, smartly impressed design elements. The bold cameo and outstanding eye appeal earmark this elegant Proof gold rarity for inclusion in a world-class numismatic cabinet.

Referring to our 1980s cataloging (as Bowers and Ruddy) and modern writing from John W. Dannreuther, we estimate only around 10 or 12 Proof 1863 half eagles are available for private ownership (an additional two exist in museum collections). These pieces certainly trade very infrequently. Since our (Bowers and Merena’s) 1999 sale of the Walter H. Childs Collection, we have offered only one example of this issue, the Eliasberg specimen featured in our March 2021 auction. The Amon Carter-Trompeter specimen we offer now in our November 2025 Showcase has not sold at auction since 2015. This is a significant bidding opportunity for advanced gold enthusiasts, and the strongest bids are encouraged.

For more information about the Stack’s Bowers Galleries November 2025 Showcase auction visit StacksBowers.com. To consign your coins or paper money to one of our future sales call 800-458-4646 or email [email protected].