1908 $5 Indian MS(PCGS#8510)

February 2025 Showcase Auction - U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2077

Grade

MS62

Price

1,080

Lot Description

Unquestionably original olive-gold surfaces are softly frosted and lustrous on this premier issue of the Indian half eagle. The Philadelphia Mint produced 577,845 half eagles for circulation in 1908, the first year of sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt's new Indian design, 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 at the time. As a result, very few contemporary collectors saved such pieces. It was not until generations later that they became popular.<p><p>