As reported on NGC website: “Rick Tomaska, owner of R & I Coins, has placed with a client the only Barber half graded in Proof 69 Ultra Cameo by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation. Rarer than proof Morgan dollars in Proof 69, only four Barber halves have been certified in Proof 69 by NGC. This 1897 placed the lone Proof 69 to also earn the coveted NGC Ultra Cameo designation. By comparison, NGC has certified 16 Morgan dollars in Proof 69, five of which also earned the Ultra Cameo designation.

In describing the coin, Rick Tomaska explains, “This coin is breathtaking. Obviously among the earliest strikes off one of the finest cameo proof dies in the series, it is almost a freak of nature that this coin, struck 110 years ago, has survived in this pristine, flawless state. It is easily the most spectacular proof Barber half I have seen or handled, and will always rank among the very elite U.S. silver proof type coins.”

While the final sales price is confidential, it was in the six figures and is believed to be the first proof Barber half to realize this price level.”