I just let an 1864 proof restrike half dime go

epc

Probably late in 1870, when dies for 1871 were being prepared, the top of the D in UNIDED broke out from the hub used to make the working obverse dies. This timing is evident in that most 1870-P obverse dies and the 1870-S obverse die have the complete D, while most 1871-P, all 1871-S dies, and all later dies have the broken D. After the D was broken, off-metal "patterns" dated 1863 and 1864 were made, as listed in Judd. In Breen's encyclopedia of U.S. coins, he mentioned seeing silver restrikes as well, noting one dated 1863 and three dated 1864. I own two 1863 restrikes.

So, I was excited to see an 1864 silver restrike, graded PF66 (normal proof) by NGC, in today's Stack's Bowers auction, and resolved to buy it. The NGC retail price guide says $2400, and regular proofs generally sell for less... I was willing to go almost double that amount. When the lot came up, the opening bid was $1100. Live bidding was fast and furious. I quit after my $3800 bid was exceeded, as another bid would take me over my limit. It hammered at $6000 ($7200 with BP). Apparently two other people know what it is and wanted/can afford it more than I.

https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1KQ8KU/1864-liberty-seated-half-dime-proof-66-ngc

Coins3675

Nice coin, too bad you didn't walk away with it.

epc

And for comparison, here's my 1864 J-378 in copper:

Tramp

Tough when that happens. Patience will pay off. Good luck!