1916-S $5 MS(PCGS#8532)

February 2025 Showcase Auction - U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2096

Grade

MS63

Price

4,800

Lot Description

A delightful pinkish-honey example with lovely mint luster and a generally sharp strike. The S mintmark, while devoid of finer detail, is fully outlined and distinct from the surrounding field area. Although several small hoards of Uncirculated coins entered the numismatic market from overseas beginning in the early to mid 1980s, the 1916-S remains elusive in grades above MS-63. The typical hoard coin, while invariably well struck, is heavily abraded with inferior luster quality. Additionally, not enough Mint State examples have been located to place the 1916-S among the more plentiful Indian half eagles. Accordingly this is one of the scarcer issues of its type in Mint State. With the technical quality and eye appeal offered here the 1916-S is rarer yet, a fact that is sure to result in strong competition for this lot.