1914 $5 PR68 NGC. JD-1, Low R.5....

Description

1914 Indian Half Eagle, PR68
Second-Rarest Proof Indian Five
High Condition Census Example

1914 $5 PR68 NGC. JD-1, Low R.5. Ex: Simpson. The Philadelphia Mint struck a modest total of 125 proof Indian half eagles in 1914, with the coins delivered in two batches on September 28 (50 examples) and December 11 (75 pieces). A single pair of dies was used to strike all the coins. The mint experimented with the unpopular sandblast finish of the coins for the final time in 1914. The basic sandblast format was followed, but the size of the granules of sand used was increased marginally, resulting in slightly coarser and darker surfaces on the coins. Unfortunately, contemporary collectors remained unimpressed and it is likely that some coins went unsold and were either melted after the end of the year or simply released into circulation. John Dannreuther estimates the surviving population at 65-75 examples in all grades, making the proof 1915 Indian half eagle the second rarest issue of the series.

Prominent Fort Worth coin dealer B. Max Mehl recognized the elusive nature of the 1914 proof Indian half eagle at an early date, calling the issue "scarce" in his catalog of the Dr. G.F.E. Wilharm Collection in 1921, only seven years after the coins were issued. Currently, PCGS has certified a total of 27 examples, with grades ranging from PR63 to PR68, while NGC has graded 31 specimens, also with the grades ranging from PR63 through PR68 (1/21). Even these small totals probably contain some duplication, due to resubmissions and crossovers. A PR68 PCGS example sold for $246,750 in 2017.

The 1914 proof Indian half eagle is seldom encountered in any grade and few survivors can match the quality and eye appeal of this magnificent PR68 example. The design elements are sharply detailed throughout and the impeccably preserved khaki-gold surfaces show the medallic, coarse-grained matte texture of the best 1914 proofs. Overall eye appeal is terrific. NGC has graded four coins in PR68, one of them in 68+, with none finer, while PCGS has certified only one example in PR68, also with none finer (1/21). This coin will be a welcome addition to the finest collection or Registry Set.(Registry values: N10218)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 28E8, PCGS# 8545, Greysheet# 9338)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 8.36 grams
AGW: 0.27oz
Mintage: 125

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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