LOT #3253 |
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1908 $5 JD-1, R.4, PR66 NGC....
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Sold on Jan 14, 2026 for:
$64,050.00
Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder
Description
1908 Indian Half Eagle, PR66
First Year of Design
Seldom Seen Finer
1908 $5 JD-1, R.4, PR66 NGC. John Dannreuther's United
State Proof Gold Coins notes that even though the 1908 proof
quarter eagles and half eagles are often called mattelike proofs,
they should be designated as Sandblast Proofs. Dannreuther
notes:"The coins were first struck with specially prepared dies; afterwards, they were placed under a fine stream of sand while being held in a glove. The size and intensity of the blast determines the look of each coin, as the color and facets differ from year to year; sometimes, even coins in the same year have a different look."
The sunken relief design by Bela Lyon Pratt made it impossible for the Mint to polish the fields and frost the devices to produce the popular brilliant proofs of earlier years. Instead, the Mint introduced an artistic matte sandblast finish for gold proofs in 1908. Anticipating high public demand for the innovative new design, the Mint struck 500 proofs of both the 1908 quarter eagle and the half eagle. While a few more quarter eagle proofs were sold, the half eagle tallied only 167 pieces sold. The exact proof production sequence is debated by numismatists. Roger Burdette believes the half eagles (and quarter eagles) were actually satin proofs before being subjected to the sand blasting process. This scenario means the pieces are technically Matte Proofs and explains why some of the coins appear to be Satin Proofs. In any case, the Dannreuther estimate of 80 to 100 known 1908 half eagle proofs holds firm. This is a exceptionally smooth and well-preserved Premium Gem example that radiates orange accents from light olive-gold coloration. Close examination under a loupe reveals no marks whatsoever on the pristine, mattelike Premium Gem surfaces. Eye appeal is outstanding. NGC Census: 28 in 66, 13 finer (12/25).
Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 106951, Base PCGS# 8539)
Weight: 8.36 grams
Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Auction Info
2026 January 14 - 17 FUN US Coins Signature® Auction #1390 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
January, 2026
14th-17th
Wednesday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 21
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 151
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
22% of the successful bid per lot.
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