This is undoubtedly one of the most important pieces of proof gold in this sale. The 1864 half eagle has a mintage of 50 proofs, but no more survivors are known of this date than others of the era with lower mintages, leading one to conclude that a number of the original mintage must have been melted at year's end as unsold. Breen estimates that perhaps 12-15 proofs may survive in all grades. All proofs of this year share a common diagnostic: a horizontal die scratch below the ear of Liberty. The diagnostic is plainly evident on this coin.