1908 $5 Indian PR(PCGS#8539)

The August 2013 Chicago ANA World's Fair of Money

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

4495

等级

PR66

价格

270,174

详细说明

Striking Proof 1908 Half Eagle 1908 Indian Half Eagle. Proof-66 (NGC). Handsome khaki-gold features exhibit the originality and appeal of an expertly preserved Proof 1908 Indian half eagle. There are no distracting contact marks -- which would appear as readily evident "shiny spots" on the delicate surfaces -- and the validity of the premium Gem grade is assured. The first Proof striking of Bela Lyon Pratt's novel incuse-design Indian half eagle, the 1908 has one of the more generous mintages of the type at 167 pieces produced. Contemporary collectors ordered these coins in significant quantities, but expecting a brilliant Proof as seen in the final years of the Liberty half eagle series were soon disappointed when they discovered that the 1908 was produced with a dark matte texture. The unpopularity of this finish at the time of issue helps to explain why no more than 115 coins are believed extant (per Jeff Ambio, A Handbook of 20th Century United States Gold Coins: 1907-1933 by David W. Akers, 2008 revision). The balance of the original mintage was either destroyed as unsold in the Mint, placed into circulation, or otherwise lost by contemporary collectors. Proof-64 is the typical grade among survivors, and rare indeed is the coin that is smooth and attractive enough to have secured a full Gem designation from the major certification services. An important bidding opportunity for the discerning 20th century gold collector. PCGS# 8539. Provenance: From the RLS Collection.