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Description

1896 Five Dollar, PR66 Deep Cameo
The Epitome of Contrasted Proof Production

1896 $5 PR66 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. Proof 1896 half eagles are of special interest to collectors for two reasons, availability and high-quality production. This was the first year the mintage of proof fives crossed the 100-coin threshold, with 103 pieces struck. Just over half that mintage are believed extant today. John Dannreuther estimates between 50 and 65 pieces have survived. Of those survivors, a surprising number grade PR64 or higher. The second reason for high collector interest in the 1896 is the quality of the proofs produced. Dannreuther undoubtedly expresses it best:

"Many numismatists consider the 1896 coinage the holy grail of collector coins, even more so than the 1895 issues. The Mint reached the limit of deep frost in this year, although it continued through 1901 in nearly all denominations. The heavy contrast of the raised elements and deeply mirrored fields makes this year's Proof production, along with the coins of the previous few years and until 1901, the desire of type collectors. When one sees a deep cameo Proof gold coin from this era, you can understand why collectors and dealers complained about the Matte Proof coinage when the new designs were introduced for the four remaining gold denominations."



This coin epitomizes all that is appreciated about proofs produced in 1896. The fields display unfathomable depth of reflectivity. Set against the "blackness" of the fields are the thickly frosted devices, the combination yielding the always-popular Deep Cameo designation. The fields display the orange-peel effect seen on many post-1860 proof gold pieces. There are no singularly obvious pedigree identifiers or surface flaws. There are, however, several flaws on the plastic encasement, flaws that look like surface imperfections at first glance. If you are a serious bidder for this coin and have any question about surface flaws, feel free to call us and we will be happy to answer any specific questions you may have. Population: 5 in 66 (1 in 66+) Deep Cameo, 1 finer. CAC: 5 in 66, 0 finer (6/19).
From The Joan Zieg Steinbrenner Collection. (Registry values: P2)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 28D2, PCGS# 98491, Greysheet# 9274)

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 all of [The Joan Zieg Steinbrenner Collection ]

View Certification Details from PCGS

Auction Info

Auction Dates
August, 2019
14th-18th Wednesday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 16
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 496

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
20% of the successful bid per lot.

Sold on Aug 14, 2019 for: $66,000.00
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