LOT Heritage Rare Coin Galleries  /  2007 Jan (FUN) Heritage Signature Coin #422  / 

3590

1909-O $5 MS63 PCGS. Variety One, the mintmark is shar

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:55,001.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 2.00 USD
1909-O $5 MS63 PCGS. Variety One, the mintmark is shar
<B>1909-O $5 MS63 PCGS.</B></I> Variety One, the mintmark is sharply doubled. This variety usually is weakly impressed on the mintmark, but this coin shows stronger-than-normal definition, although in truth it is a bit weaker than other mintmarks in the series.<BR> The 1909-O is one of the key absolute and condition rarities among U.S. gold. A client of Heritage once summed it up this way: "Go to a small coin show and you will never see an '09-O. Go to an ANA and you<I>might</B></I> see three or four, and most of those will only grade XF or maybe AU." Which explains why an Uncirculated coin such as this is being offered in a major auction with other important rarities.<BR> When coinage production resumed in New Orleans in 1909, the half eagle was the only gold coin struck. Very few were minted (34,200 pieces) and only a tiny percentage survive today in all grades. It is estimated that no more than 300 to 350 coins are known today in all grades. Of those survivors, it is believed that a mere 10 to 15 Uncirculated examples have survived.<BR> The Winter book on New Orleans gold (2006) gives a good summary of the striking characteristics of this issue: " ... typically found with a good quality of strike. Usually, the center of the obverse will not be fully defined, but the intricate feather details on the obverse and on the reverse are often full." With that being the standard expected for an '09-O, this piece is definitely above average. There is almost no striking weakness seen on either side of this magnificent coin. Additionally, the below average luster that is usually seen on this issue is pleasing on this coin and more akin to the softly frosted luster seen on Philadelphia coins. Attractive, although somewhat unusual tan-gold color covers each side and there are no obvious or detracting marks present, which is quite a surprise given the MS63 grade and the reduced relief design that seems to be a magnet for abrasions on most five dollar Indians.<BR> The specialist will certainly recognize the offering of this coin for the rare opportunity that it truly is. Population: 7 in 63, 13 finer (11/06).<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coin/Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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