1891 $5 JD-1, High R.5, PR66 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC....

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$88,450.00 Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder

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1891 Liberty Half Eagle, PR66 Deep Cameo
CAC-Approved, Registry-Grade Example
Only 53 Proofs Struck

1891 $5 JD-1, High R.5, PR66 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. The Philadelphia Mint struck a relatively modest production of 53 proof Liberty half eagles in 1891, to accompany a smallish business-strike mintage of 61,360 pieces. The proof mintage was significantly smaller than the 88-piece production total of the year before, and it remained smaller than any proof mintage issued afterward, until the Liberty series was retired in 1907. No proofs were delivered in the first quarter of the year, but the following quarters saw deliveries of 21, 9, and 23 examples, respectively. A single die was used to strike all the proofs. The date on the proof obverse die is placed higher and better centered than the date on the business-strike obverse, and some distinctive die polish is evident in the clear stripes of the shield on the reverse, making it possible to distinguish between proofs and prooflike circulation strikes. John Dannreuther estimates 25 to 35 specimens survive today in all grades, while PCGS CoinFacts estimates 30 to 40 examples are extant. Two of those survivors are included in the National Numismatic Collection, at the Smithsonian Institution, and another is in the collection of the American Numismatic Society, forever out of reach of eager collectors.

The present coin is a spectacular Premium Gem proof, with razor-sharp definition on all design elements. The richly frosted devices contrast profoundly with the deeply mirrored fields, to create a stunning cameo effect when the coin is tilted in the light. The impeccably preserved yellow-gold surfaces add to the outstanding eye appeal. The high quality within the grade is confirmed by CAC. The record price realized for the issue ($84,000) belongs to this coin, when it sold in lot 3323 of the Rarities Night Auction (Stack's Bowers, 8/2025). We expect intense competition from series specialists and Registry Set enthusiasts when this lot is called. This coin is pictured on PCGS CoinFacts. Population: 4 in 66 Deep Cameo, 1 finer. CAC: 2 in 66, 1 finer (11/25).
Ex: Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction: Session 5: Rarities Night (Stack's Bowers, 8/2025), lot 3323, realized $84,000.

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 106890, Base PCGS# 98486)

Weight: 8.36 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

View Certification Details from PCGS