1908-D $5 MS65 PCGS....

Description

Conditionally Rare Gem 1908-D Indian Half Eagle

1908-D $5 MS65 PCGS. This is a remarkable example of the first year 1908-D Indian half eagle, which Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth (2006) have identified as one of the ten scarcest issues in the series at the Gem level of preservation. That estimation seems justified after an examination of Heritage auction records stretching back for the past 15 years or so: this piece is just the third MS65 specimen offered by us during that timeframe. To date, PCGS has certified a mere nine coins at the current grade level, and NGC has seen only four Gems. Remarkably, none have been certified any finer than MS65 by either service, as of (6/08).
The Bela Lyon Pratt design for this new series included incuse design features that appeared, astonishingly, below the fields of the coin. Prior to 1908, all previous American coinage types had devices that were raised above the level of the fields, after being struck from working dies that had the design's impression sunken into their hard, steel surfaces.
The matte-like surfaces of this conditionally rare Gem are satiny and intensely lustrous, displaying lovely, subtly variegated shades of mint-green, sky-blue, and rose-gold. The design elements are crisply struck throughout, with especially sharp definition noted on the mintmark. Surface marks are minimal, as expected, with a few tiny nicks scattered through the upper reverse fields, and a couple of shallow, paper-thin indentations that reside near the lower reverse border.
A magnificent specimen that will serve as a centerpiece of even the most advanced collection.
From The Oscar Alexander Collection of 1908 Gold.(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 28DF, PCGS# 8511, GSID# 9317)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 8.36 grams
AGW: 0.24188oz
Mintage: 148,000

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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