1880 $5

Description

Rare, Low Mintage 1880 Half Eagle

1880 $5 PR 64 PCGS. Unlike the business strike half eagles from 1880, proofs are of the highest order of rarity. Only 36 pieces were originally produced and it is estimated that fewer than ten examples are extant today in the proof format. Twenty-one years ago, David Akers wrote of the proof 1880, "...very rare, more so than any of the dates that follow. They have also appeared at auction less often than any date after 1859 except for the extremely rare and underrated 1861, 1870, 1871, and 1874." And those words are still true today. We have offered very few examples of this issue over the past decade (three to be exact), and none have equaled the condition of this lovely piece.
The fields are deeply mirrored and exhibit the "orange peel" effect common to proofs from this era. The coin has not been cleaned, its non-Gem grade appears to come from a couple of small bumps on the nose of Liberty and very light contact on the chin. Light reddish color overall is a sign of originality, and the devices are strongly frosted against the highly reflective fields. A rare opportunity to acquire this seldom-offered proof five. Population: 2 in 64, 3 finer (10/00).

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 28CH, PCGS# 8475, GSID# 9224)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 8.36 grams
AGW: 0.24188oz
Mintage: 36

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