1910 $5 PR68+ NGC. JD-1, R.4....

Description

1910 Half Eagle, PR68+
The Sole Finest Example Known
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

1910 $5 PR68+ NGC. JD-1, R.4. Ex: Simpson. The mintage of the 1910 matte proof half eagle is recorded as 250 pieces, although a number of these were undoubtedly melted as unsold. This issue is no more plentiful than the 1909, which boasts a distribution of only 78 pieces. Moreover, the majority of the survivorship resides in PR64 to PR66, with just a handful of pieces in PR67. NGC lists four coins in PR68, including this Plus-designated piece, with none finer. PCGS has not certified any coins in this grade, meaning that the Simpson specimen offered here is the sole finest 1910 proof half eagle certified (6/20).

Only one other PR68 specimen has ever appeared at auction. It was last seen in a September 2013 Bonham's sale where it realized $146,250. The cataloger of that piece referenced this example as one of the three other PR68 coins then known, and the population in this top grade has remained unchanged since. Even so, with two of the pieces reported in PR68 never having appeared publicly, one begins to wonder if a duplication is not represented in the reported figure of four coins.

In any case, the Simpson coin is unrivaled in its status as finest known. It is fully struck with rich honey-gold coloration and a satiny sheen across the fields. The finely granular texture is diagnostic of the 1910 proofs, being similar in appearance to the satin finish employed in 1909 and distinctly brighter than the sandblast finish of 1908 and 1911. Moreover, the preservation of the surfaces on this piece is apparently flawless to the human eye, complementing the boldly rendered devices and rich color. This piece represents an historic offering for the Registry collector and matte proof Indian specialist. No other 1910 proof rivals this example in either technical quality or eye appeal. Census: 4 in 68 (1 in 68+), 0 finer (5/20).(Registry values: N10218)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 28E4, PCGS# 8541, Greysheet# 9334)

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 III ]

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