1897 $5 PR66 Deep Cameo PCGS. JD-1, R.5....

Description

1897 Half Eagle, PR66 Deep Cameo
Ultimate Representation of the Type
Only 83 Proofs Struck

1897 $5 PR66 Deep Cameo PCGS. JD-1, R.5. Ex: Simpson. To borrow a term from the sociologist Max Weber, a proof coin represents an ideal type. That is not to say that it must be perfectly preserved. Instead, the phrase suggests that a proof serves the ultimate rendering of the design it represents, a benchmark against which other coins, like circulation strikes, can be measured.

There are few areas of collecting as revered as proof gold, and there are no periods of proof gold production that exceeded the years between 1895 and 1898, at least as far as quality is concerned. That short span of years saw the Mint putting out the finest proof coinage it ever had or ever would. This issue, the 1897 proof half eagle, falls squarely within that stretch.

The 1897 five dollar gold proof claims a mintage of 83 coins. John Dannreuther estimates that 40 to 55 pieces survive, writing in his 2018 proof gold reference: "There are not as many examples for 1897 as there are for 1896, but there are superb examples among the coins left from the 83 struck." The certified population backs that up. PCGS reports five submissions in PR66 Deep Cameo. Another five grading events are reported in PR66 Ultra Cameo at NGC, plus two more in PR67 Ultra Cameo (1/22).

Stark field-device contrast is the defining hallmark of this Premium Gem. A thick layer of mint frost resides over fully struck relief elements, which stand out blatantly against the watery, jet-black mirrors. A tiny as-made lint mark right of star 1 may help in identifying this coin in future appearances. Genuinely an ideal example of a late 19th century Philadelphia half eagle.(Registry values: P2)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 28D3, PCGS# 98492, Greysheet# 9277)

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 [Important Selections From The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part VIII ]

View Certification Details from PCGS