1909-S $5 MS(PCGS#8516)

The March 2011 Baltimore Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

6651

等级

MS65

价格

301,236

详细说明

1909-S Indian Half Eagle. MS-65 (PCGS). CAC. OGH. A leading rarity in the challenging Indian Half Eagle series of 1908-1929, the 1909-S is ranked third in absolute Mint State rarity in the 2008 revision to David W. Akers' book <em>A Handbook of 20th Century United States Gold Coins: 1907-1933</em>. The typical Uncirculated survivor of this 297,200-piece delivery falls somewhere in the MS-60 to MS-63 range, and even MS-64s are very scarce and can be difficult to obtain. The aforementioned Akers reference accounts for only one-to-two (!) Gems in MS-65, along with a mere three or four pieces finer.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Numbering among the most significant examples of this conditionally challenging issue, this PCGS/CAC MS-65 is the finest '09-S Five to&nbsp;cross this cataloger's desk in&nbsp;quite some time. It is a&nbsp;solid Condition Census piece&nbsp;with gorgeous eye appeal stemming from softly frosted luster and vivid reddish-rose patina. Other positive attributes include a razor-sharp strike and, of course, surfaces that are so smooth as to define the coin as a condition rarity par excellence for the issue. A fleeting bidding opportunity for the 20th century gold specialist, and a coin that stands tall among the highlights in this sale.<br /> <br /> <strong>Numismatic Reflections by Q. David Bowers<br /> <br /> </strong> <div class="Section1"> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In their era, the Indian Head $2.50 and $5 coins were without honor. Following the launch of Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ beautiful MCMVII $20, praise was unstinting for this magnificent work of art. Then in 1908, without advance notice, the Quarter Eagle and Half Eagle appeared, the work of artist Bela Lyon Pratt. The designs were incuse -- that is recessed below the field of the coin, the latter being the highest point. The Indian Head motif and the eagle are in relief, but lowered. Great criticism was heaped upon the motif, some saying that the recessed areas c