1890 5C MS(PCGS#3851)

Spring 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2230

Grade

MS67

Price

9,600

Lot Description

A dreamy example dressed in target-like toning that features an array of golden-bronze, powder blue and pinkish-rose iridescence on both sides. The surfaces are exquisite with full striking detail and smooth, billowy mint luster. In the finest Mint State grades, the circulation strike Liberty Head nickel series of 1883 to 1912 is among the more underrated in U.S. numismatics. With the exception of a handful of semi and full key date issues - 1885, 1886, 1894, 1912-D, 1912-S - all dates in this series are readily obtainable in circulated and lower uncirculated grades. This fact is often mistakenly thought to extend at least to MS-65, if not also MS-66, for most issues of the type. The reality is quite different, however, with poor striking and luster quality combining with subpar surface preservation to preclude a certified grade finer than MS-64 in most cases. Indeed, many examples are softly struck at the top of Liberty's portrait, at the surrounding stars, and within the lower left portion of the wreath on the reverse (the ear of corn in the latter area is usually blunt). Luster is often subdued, as well, and detracting marks and/or carbon spots are generally present in all-too-generous numbers. Combining superior striking quality, luster and surface preservation with extraordinary eye appeal, the PCGS MS-67 offered here is a Condition Census 1890 that also ranks among the finest circulation strike Liberty Head nickels of any date available to today's collectors.