1906 $5, CAM PR(PCGS#88501)

Spring 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3153

Grade

PR63CAM

Price

12,600

Lot Description

A lovely Cameo Proof example of the Motto Liberty Head half eagle design type. Dating to an era in which the Mint prepared Proof gold coinage with a universally brilliant finish, this piece was struck from dies that were obviously polished both in the field areas and in the recesses of the design elements. The result is a delightful reflective finish overall with minimal contrast between the fields and devices, yet still enough to support the coveted Cameo designation from NGC. Fully struck, as expected for a Proof, with vivid medium gold color throughout.<p>The Philadelphia Mint struck 85 Proof half eagles in 1906, the penultimate Proof issue in this long-running series. John W. Dannreuther (2018) has identified only a single die pairing for this issue, and he estimates that 50 to 65 coins are extant in all grades. The offered specimen is a pleasing and scarce Choice Cameo example that would do equally well in a Proof gold type or date set.