1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 PCGS. CAC....

Description

1911-D Two and a Half, MS65
CAC-Endorsed Registry Candidate
Near the Condition Census

1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 PCGS. CAC. The numismatic fame of the 1911-D quarter eagle spans many decades. With a mintage of only 55,680 pieces, the 1911-D is the only major key date in the popular Indian quarter eagle series. The small mintage came about due to a lack of commercial demand for circulating gold coinage in the early 20th century, but that same lack of commercial need resulted in a significant portion of the 1911-D mintage surviving in Mint State grades. Even collectors with limited experience in this series recognize the high frequency with which examples of the 1911-D come up for auction. However, seasoned collectors also recognize that the vast majority of these coins are in AU or low-end Mint State grades, often have poor eye appeal, and more often than not show signs of cleaning, dipping, or other types of tampering. In particular, there are many 1911-D quarter eagles certified in MS61 and MS62 that were almost certainly upgraded from AU status.

Collectors seeking a high quality 1911-D quarter eagle must set their sights higher -- both in terms of numeric grade and in terms of ambition, for high-end 1911-D quarter eagles are challenging to acquire. The certified population reports suggest that there are a number of examples in MS64 and even MS65 that can be had for a price. But these certification numbers are misleading. In practice, MS64 coins are seldom offered, and Gem coins are downright rare. We believe that certified totals particularly in MS65 are highly inflated. PCGS and NGC combined report 116 pieces in MS65 and finer condition, but over the past three decades we have seen an auction appearance rate of such coins that suggests the actual survivorship could be as little as half of that reported number. Moreover, the majority of the Gem examples seen are NGC certified -- PCGS coins account for only 40% of the pieces we have handled in this grade.

The present example is CAC approved, being one of just 11 pieces in this grade with that distinction. Luster is luminous, yielding rich orange-gold color with no obtrusive abrasions. Strike sharpness is outstanding, including on the all-important mintmark. Population: 30 in 65 (2 in 65+), 4 finer. CAC: 10 in 65, 1 finer (12/22).(Registry values: N10218)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# EGZ7, PCGS# 7943, Greysheet# 8615)

Weight: 4.18 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 PCGS