1911 $5 PR(PCGS#8542)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3332

Grade

PR66+

Price

78,000

Lot Description

This is a true connoisseur's piece, a splendid Gem Sandblast Proof. The strike detail is extremely sharp, as it is on virtually all Sandblast Proof gold coins of the early 20th century. The color of this piece is unusual in that it is lighter than typically seen for the issue with an even honey-rose hue. The surfaces do show the typical granularity (as made) with myriad sparkling facets to the texture. The preservation is outstanding to support the premium upper end Gem grade from PCGS.<p>The Philadelphia Mint struck 139 Proof half eagles in 1911, John W. Dannreuther (2018) accounting for only 80 to 100 survivors in all grades. This is the first of the later Sandblast Proofs in the Indian series, after the Mint abandoned the Satin Proof finish of 1909 and 1910. The decision was taken after a vote among attendees of the 1910 ANA Convention showed that the sandblast pieces were preferred.