1895 $5 PR67 Deep Cameo PCGS. JD-1, R.5....

Description

1895 Liberty Half Eagle, PR67 Deep Cameo
Only 81 Examples Struck
Tied for Finest at PCGS

1895 $5 PR67 Deep Cameo PCGS. JD-1, R.5. Ex: Simpson. Mint records indicate a modest mintage of 81 proof Liberty half eagles was struck to satisfy collector demand in 1895. However, there is a discrepancy in the delivery records, which record quarterly deliveries of 17, 7, 8, and 44 pieces, for a slightly smaller total of 76 examples. A single pair of dies was used to strike all the proofs, making it possible to distinguish between proofs and prooflike business strikes. The obverse die shows the upper curl at the back of Liberty's neck detached and the reverse die shows a polished area in the ribbon, below WE in the motto. The 1895 proofs were well-produced, and Cameo and Deep Cameo examples are relatively available, in the context of the series.

Despite their obvious rarity, gold proofs were not held in high esteem by the average collector at the turn of the century. They could be obtained for face value, plus a small surcharge and shipping cost from the Mint every year. Accordingly, proofs brought only modest premiums when offered at auction. The complete four-piece gold proof set of 1895 offered in lot 355 of the David S. Wilson Collection (S.H. Chapman, 3/1907) brought only $60, and that was one of the better results of that decade. During hard times, owners of gold proofs were often reduced to spending the coins at face value or selling them to bullion brokers for a small profit. As a result, only a fraction of the original mintage of most 19th century gold proof coins still exist today. John Dannreuther estimates the surviving population of the 1895 proof half eagle at 35-45 examples in all grades and degrees of contrast.

The present coin is a magnificent Superb Gem proof, with razor-sharp definition on all design elements and impeccably preserved orange-gold surfaces. The richly frosted devices contrast profoundly with the deeply mirrored fields to create a dramatic cameo effect. Overall eye appeal is terrific. This coin is tied with one other example for finest certified honors at PCGS (6/22). It will be a welcome addition to the finest collection or Registry Set.(Registry values: P2)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 28CZ, PCGS# 98490, Greysheet# 9271)

Weight: 8.36 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

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