To
be presented in lot 2149 of Rarities Night in our November 2016 Baltimore
auction is a glorious 1916-S Indian half eagle certified MS-66 by PCGS and one
of the finest survivors of the issue.
The
San Francisco Mint was the only mint to strike half eagles in 1916, putting
very strong collector demand on this low mintage issue. While the 240,000
examples struck reflected an increase from the previous year’s production of
164,000 coins, no half eagles were produced after 1916 until the final issue in
1929. Few coins escaped circulation. A hoard of approximately 200 Mint State
coins surfaced prior to 1988, though none were better than Choice. In true Gem,
the 1916-S Indian $5 is a great rarity, with PCGS displaying 17 grading events
at MS-65 and above (a number undoubtedly inflated by resubmission). The offered
example is tied with just one other piece at the MS-66 level, and only two
pieces have been graded finer, both of which were awarded a “+”.
This
truly stunning specimen displays ivory, wheat and tangerine tones across both
sides. The luster is soft and appealing, with areas of matte-like texture
visible under a glass. This beautiful piece is sure to inspire intense bidding
activity!
This
and other world-class rarities will be featured in our November 2016 Official
Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo. To obtain your copy of the
catalog or to consign your rarities to a future showcase event, please contact
our offices today at 1-800-458-4646 to speak with a Consignment Director and
see what Stack’s Bowers Galleries can do for you.
