1955 Perth Proof Halfpenny - PCGS PR61RD

Australia, 1955 Perth Proof Halfpenny -

There is one ultra-rare commercially struck proof QEII halfpenny, and that is the 1955. The issue has a low mintage of only 301 pieces and is not frequently seen with full red. However, like the proof 1955, 1956, and polished type 1957 Perth pennies, the issue suffers from hairlining that was, accordingly to anecdotes, caused by mint workers when trying to “polish” up the coins. Whether this is a true story or whether these hairlines were caused by a polished die instead is difficult to ascertain, but the result is that these early proof copper coins generally grade more lowly compared to the later ones. (The average grade of a full red 1955 Perth proof halfpenny is 61.71 as of September 2013. The average grade of a 1963 Perth proof halfpenny is 65.63.) The coin photographed above has particularly strong eye appeal, with full blinding brilliance and the minimum or marks and scuffs. There are slight tone spots on shoulder of the Queen, but the coin is free from nasty spots or fingerprints. Overall, this is a great coin and one to keep for the long-run.