1908-D $5 MS(PCGS#8511)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3327

Grade

MS65

Price

20,400

Lot Description

This exceptionally well preserved 1908-D half eagle would do justice to the finest collection of 20th century gold. Both sides are smartly impressed with bold to sharp definition throughout the design. Beautiful vivid honey-orange and pinkish-apricot surfaces support strong satiny luster. The 1908-D is very scarce even in properly graded MS-64, and this Gem coin additionally offers outstanding eye appeal.<p>The Denver Mint's initial contribution to the Indian half eagle series amounted to 148,000 pieces. While the 1908 delivery from the Philadelphia Mint was saved in significant numbers as a first year issue, the 1908-D was overlooked with the result that it is far scarcer in all Mint State grades. While a few small hoards of Uncirculated 1908-D half eagles have surfaced over the years, virtually none of them contained any coins that would grade finer than MS-63 by today's standards. The only exception is the Virgil Brand hoard, which included a small number of examples grading MS-64 or finer. Those coins have long since been widely dispersed in numismatic circles and, today, offerings for the few certified Gems are few and far between. We anticipate that strong bidding will be required to compete for this noteworthy piece.