1916-S $5 MS66 NGC....

Description

1916-S Indian Head Five, MS66
Rare Condition Census Example

1916-S $5 MS66 NGC. The 1916-S is significant in the Indian half eagle series as the last San Francisco issue struck and the second-to-last issue produced overall. Coinage did not resume until 1929, and then only at the Philadelphia Mint; that Depression-era coinage never entered circulation and was largely destroyed, leaving the 1916-S also as the last readily collectible date in the series.

In the revised, second edition of A Handbook of 20th Century United States Gold Coins, David Akers writes:

"A small hoard of approximately 200 Mint State 1916-S Half Eagles entered the numismatic market in the early-to-mid 1980s. As a result, this issue is relatively obtainable in grades through MS-63. In MS-64, however, the 1916-S is moderately scarce. Gems are rare, but the 1916-S is still one of the most readily obtainable S-mint Indian Half Eagles in high grades."

The present coin exceeds even the Gem grade level, being one of just eight MS66 coins certified at NGC and PCGS combined, with none finer. Interestingly, the majority of the MS66 population resides in PCGS holders, with only three of the top eight coins recorded on the NGC Census. Furthermore, it is possible that one or more of the NGC pieces have been crossed to PCGS, thereby duplicating their number. We suggest this because, until now, we have never handled an NGC-certified 1916-S half eagle in this top grade.

This remarkable NGC rarity displays soft, satiny straw-gold and sun-yellow luster, with traditionally well-struck devices and fields that are as clean as the grade demands. Slight evidence of contact on the Indian's cheek reminds the viewer that this piece is not entirely pristine, and yet, eye appeal is outstanding. Finest-known examples of this important San Francisco issue are prime rarities -- specialists should not let this piece pass by. Census: 3 in 66, 0 finer (11/22).(Registry values: N10218)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 28DY, PCGS# 8532, Greysheet# 9331)

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.

View Certification Details from NGC