1909-S $5 MS(PCGS#8516)

Winter 2022 U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

5093

等级

MS63

价格

80,510

详细说明

Condition Rarity 1909-S Half Eagle 1909-S Indian Half Eagle. MS-63 (PCGS). Frosty golden-apricot surfaces showcase exceptional quality for this conditionally challenged issue. The strike is sharp and includes an uncommonly well defined S mintmark. With far less evidence of handling than typically seen, this noteworthy Choice Uncirculated example is sure to please advanced 20th century gold enthusiasts. The 1909-S is a leading rarity in the Indian half eagle series of 1908 to 1929, ranked third in absolute Mint State rarity in the 2008 revision to David W. Akers' reference A Handbook of 20th Century United States Gold Coins: 1907-1933. The typical Uncirculated survivor from the mintage of 297,200 pieces is in the MS-60 to MS-63 range, and even MS-64s are very scarce and can be difficult to obtain. Gems are exceedingly rare with most such pieces tightly held in advanced cabinets. In their era, Indian quarter eagles and half eagles 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 new 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 could attract germs. Various writers, including well known dealer Henry Chapman, penned derogatory comments which were published in The Numismatist. The general result was that very few numismatists - probably not more than two or three - actually sought Indian quarter eagles and half eagles by mintmark varieties during the time they were issued. Accordingly, when these did become popular in the 1930s, and even more so beginning in the 1950s, high grade examples of certain issues ranged from scarce to extremely rare, as here. Their survival was a matter of chance. PCGS Population: 38; 27 finer (MS-67 finest). PCGS# 8516. NGC ID: 25ZL. Click here for certification details from PCGS.