On January 21, 2003 Frank M. Zapushek, Mr. "Z" discovered the 1878 Proof Liberty Seated Half Dollar that went unknown for 125 years. The coin was graded by ANACS Pr 62 Obverse Cameo Type 1 Reverse. Mr. "Z" was on Good Morning America and Fox News along with interviews around the world. The discover was reported on the front page of every numismatic publication.

First is the photograph of the obverse or front on the left and of the reverse or back of the coin on the right.

This photograph helps identify which die struck the obverse or front of this coin. You can follow the point of the shield to a position in the date. Then you follow the left side base of "1" down to the denticles. This gives you the placement of the date.

Now we come to the important part of this coin. What makes it special? The photograph on the left shows the reverse of this coin, while the photograph on the right shows what the reverse of the coin should have been.

The photograph on the right is the new reverse that was used from 1877 to 1891. Why does this 1878 Proof coin have the reverse of old reverse of 1876 or Type 1 Reverse?