1908 $5 Indian MS(PCGS#8510)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auktionator

Stack's Bowers

Losnummer

2022

Erhaltungsgrad

MS67

Preis

40.800

Losbeschreibung

Exquisite surfaces are bathed in a bold blend of billowy mint luster and vivid golden-rose color. Wisps of powder blue and sunset-orange iridescence also flash into view under a light - very attractive. Full striking detail and expertly preserved surfaces enhance the tremendous appeal of this premium quality Superb Gem.<p>Bela Lyon Pratt's unique incuse Indian Head design made its debut on the quarter eagle and half eagle in 1908. Pratt's attractive design was part of the era that noted numismatic researcher Roger Burdette has termed the "Renaissance of American Coinage." The dawn of this era is closely associated with President Theodore Roosevelt, one of whose many causes was the improvement of the nation's coinage designs. Indeed, Pratt had come to the attention of the president through a mutual friend, Dr. William Sturgis Bigelow, a physician who was also a passionate collector of Japanese art.<p>The Philadelphia Mint's premier issue in Pratt's Indian half eagle series, the 1908 was produced to the extent of 577,845 pieces for circulation, along with 167 Sand Blast Proofs for sale to collectors. As interesting as the coin may have been to certain inner circles at the Mint, the motif was roundly detested, and many negative letters were printed in <em>The Numismatist</em> concerning it. As a result, very few collectors saved such pieces. It was not until generations later that they became popular, by which time the vast majority of high grade pieces had long since disappeared. Today, the 1908 is the most often encountered Indian half eagle in Gem Mint State, but becomes considerably scarce in MS-65+ and above. The present example in NGC MS-67 is a major condition rarity and a significant find that is worthy of the strongest bids.