1879 $5 MS66 PCGS....

Description

1879 Half Eagle, Scintillating MS66
One of Two Finest-Certified Examples

1879 $5 MS66 PCGS. In 1875, Congress mandated that specie payments resume on January 1, 1879. The Mint anticipated high demand for gold coinage come that day and began increasing half eagle production in 1878, when mintages jumped from 1,132 coins to 131,720 pieces. Output increased again in 1879 to 301,920 five dollar gold coins. Mint Director Horatio C. Burchard noted in the Annual Report of 1880 that the jump in half eagle coinage was meant to stimulate their circulation for small-scale business transactions, as opposed to double eagles, which were too unwieldy for everyday use. Burchard's objective was clearly realized, as the 1879 is readily available in circulated grades. It becomes scarce in MS63, and Choice and Gem examples are rare. This Premium Gem is tied for finest certified with one other PCGS representative. The finest coins at NGC are five MS65 submissions (5/16).

This unsurpassed five dollar gold piece radiates scintillating mint luster over peach-gold surfaces. The stars are completely brought-up, Liberty's hair curls are crisply delineated, and the eagle is razor-sharp throughout. Trivial ticks fail to hinder the appeal or importance of this Registry-quality offering.(Registry values: P3)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25X7, PCGS# 8348, Greysheet# 8926)

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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