1896 $5, DCAM PR(PCGS#98491)

1896 $5, DCAM PR (PCGS#98491)

The January 2012 Americana Sale

详细说明: 1896 Liberty Half Eagle. Proof-65 Deep Cameo (PCGS). The 1896 is the first proof half eagle with an original mintage in excess of 100 pieces. The mintage just barely surpasses this milestone at 103 pieces, however, and this is obviously an extremely limited total when viewed in the overall context of United States coinage history. Not all of the coins struck were distributed to contemporary buyers or otherwise managed to survive, and the actual number of specimens available to today's advanced gold collectors is fewer than 100 pieces. The online PCGS <em>Population Report </em>allows for only 50-75 survivors, with the excellent website pcgscoinfacts.com providing a more concise estimate of just 70 coins known.<br /> In addition to absolute rarity, this captivating Gem also offers undeniable condition rarity. The reflective fields and equally delicate, frosty devices of 1890s proof gold coinage were easily marred by hairlines, ticks and other handling marks, even when under the supervision of the most careful collectors. It is truly remarkable, therefore, that this coin has come down to us with such smooth, blemish free features. Both the fields and devices are equally free of significant blemishes, and the degree of contrast is expectably strong given the DCAM designation from PCGS. Bathed in lovely medium gold patina, with a full strike and eye appeal that is nothing short of exquisite. A highly significant and simply outstanding coin.