LOT #3138 |
Current Bid: $1,150
1914-S $5 MS65+ PCGS....
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Description
1914-S Indian Half Eagle, MS65+
Top of the Condition Census
Ex: Duckor-Simpson
1914-S $5 MS65+ PCGS. Ex: Simpson. This Gem half eagle was
one of the most important Indian gold pieces in the fabulous Bob R.
Simpson Collection, a mark of distinction for any coin. The 1914-S
is one of the great condition rarities of the Indian half eagle
series. A significant portion of the survivorship grades in XF or
AU condition, and in Mint State the vast majority of the population
ranks no finer than MS62. Select Uncirculated coins are scarce, and
anything finer is a major rarity.The finest examples of this issue known grade MS65. PCGS and NGC each list two coins in this grade (with this coin awarded the Plus designation), but at least one of the NGC listings is a known duplication. Moreover, only two Gem examples of this issue have ever appeared at auction. Most recently, this coin appeared in our January 2025 FUN Signature, where it realized $120,000. Before that, it was offered in our sale of Bob R. Simpson's collection in January 2021, where it realized a record price for the issue at $180,000. Before that, a PCGS example appeared in a June 2016 Goldberg sale, realizing more than $146,000. Before that, no Gem 1914-S five appeared at auction since the offering of this piece in our February 2005 Long Beach Signature.
This coin is the famous Duckor specimen, first recognized in David Akers' Auction '90, where it was heralded as the finest 1914-S known. At the time, the coin was raw but was described as MS65+. Akers wrote:
"This is the FINEST KNOWN 1914-S $5 and the only true gem known to us. Just compare it to the beautiful slabbed MS-64 1914-S that appears later in our session (which is itself one of the three or four finest known) and you can easily see that this coin is distinctly superior, at least a point better if not two points. The outstanding appearance of this coin, as well as its rarity, cannot be overemphasized. Most 1914-S Half Eagles are not particularly attractive but this amazing coin looks just like a super 1908-S! A numismatic prize and one of the principle highlights of this non-pareil collection."
This coin's standing as finest known is challenged only by one, maybe two other Gem 1914-S fives. For Registry collectors, there is no better opportunity to acquire this issue. Akers' description of this piece's eye appeal and technical merits needs little expansion. The luminous Gem surfaces radiate frosty orange-gold and yellow luster, illuminating boldly rendered design elements. Remarkably few abrasions are seen in the elevated fields, and eye appeal is truly spectacular for this issue. This coin is pictured on PCGS CoinFacts and it is the first coin in their Condition Census. Population: 2 in 65 (1 in 65+), 0 finer (8/25).
Ex: Auction '90 (Akers, 8/1990), lot 1817; Pittsburgh Signature (Heritage, 8/2004), lot 7399; Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 2/2005), lot 8708; Bob R. Simpson Collection; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2021), lot 3046, realized $180,000; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2025), lot 4718, realized $120,000.(Registry values: N10218)
Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 28DW, PCGS# 8529, Greysheet# 9329)
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.
Auction Info
2025 October 2 - 5 GACC US Coins Signature® Auction #1386 (go to Auction Home page)
Proxy Bidding Ends
October
2nd
Thursday
12:50 pm CT
Auction Dates
October
2nd-5th
Thursday-Sunday
Proxy Bidding Time Remaining
16 Days
7h 39m 27s
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 9
Lot Tracking Activity: 17
Page Views: 116
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
20% of the successful bid (minimum $29) per lot.
This lot is in: 1 -
Signature® Premier Floor Session - PREMIER (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 3001-3238) - 1:00 PM Central Time, Thursday, October 2, 2025.
[Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session.]
Exhibition Viewing Times, Title Page, Floor Session and License Information
Additional Location Info:
Heritage Auctions
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261
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