1913-S $5 MS65 PCGS....

Description

Lovely Gem 1913-S Half Eagle
Only MS65 at PCGS

1913-S $5 MS65 PCGS. Although the 1909-O and 1911-D half eagles are well-known keys to the series, there are numerous conditional rarities than stand out from the pack in the Indian half eagle series as the upper Mint State levels are scaled. Those conditional rarities include all of the S-mint issues from 1912 through 1915.
Concerning the 1913-S, Akers' Handbook of United States Gold Coins 1907-1933 notes that:

"The 1913-S ranks ahead of the 1911-S and 1916-S in terms of both overall and high-grade rarity. MS-63s are very scarce and coins that grade MS-64 are nothing short of rare. Gems are virtually unobtainable."

This is a hands-down Gem under any accepted grading interpretation. As such, it is another entry in our Platinum Night offerings that is certain to pique the interest of Registry Set collectors, as well as gold specialists, series aficionados, or any other collector who appreciates coins that are both truly rare and aesthetically beautiful.
Both the production values and subsequent surface preservation are remarkable on both sides. There is little of the peripheral strike weakness so often seen on examples of the issue, and the mintmark is well-struck. Only a couple of the lower headdress feathers are a bit indistinct. The coloration is appealing, with lilac and jade accents complementing the predominantly peach-gold patina. The Indian's cheek is completely free of pesky abrasions, large or small. This is the only Gem certified of the issue at PCGS, although one piece has been graded even finer (11/09).

PCGS Registry Set Note
This coin would upgrade four of the current Top 5 Indian Head $5 Gold, Circulation Strikes (1908-1929) Registry Sets--most of them by several points.(Registry values: N10218)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25ZP, PCGS# 8526, GSID# 9327)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 8.36 grams
AGW: 0.24188oz
Melt Value: $273.81
Gold Spot: $1,132/oz (01-07-2010)
Mintage: 408,000

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.

View Certification Details from PCGS