1887

1898-S $5 MS68 PCGS.From The Larj Collection. 1898-S[$5] MS68 PCGS.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1898-S $5 MS68 PCGS.From The Larj Collection. 1898-S[$5] MS68 PCGS.
<B>1898-S<$5> MS68 PCGS.</B></I> Ex: Eliasberg. This is an incredible example from the famous Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, sold by Bowers and Ruddy in 1982. In these days of numismatic conservation, it is truly refreshing to see a coin like this, that has unquestionably original color and surfaces. Since the day it was struck, this Superb Gem has never been cleaned or enhanced in any manner. The brilliant yellow-gold surfaces have rich green patina near the borders, gradually blending to pinkish-orange color and rich honey toning. A short curved grease stain on the reverse remains from the time this beauty was struck. Although not absolutely perfect (for it is not graded 70), the surfaces are pristine and virtually free of any abrasions. In his 1982 catalog for the Eliasberg Collection, Dave Bowers commented: "[A] sparkling, glittering, coruscating half eagle. Obviously a very special coin, a 'specimen' reserved at the time of mintage." It is a rare coin, indeed, that maintains a continuous pedigree literally back to the day it was made, and an especially rare circumstance when such a coin is from any of the branch mints.<BR> Show us another one. In addition to this PCGS certified MS68, a single submission appears in the NGC Census at this same grade level. We would like to see that coin, for we can't imagine it to be any finer than the present Eliasberg Collection specimen. In fact, we find it difficult to believe that such a coin even exists, and would like very much to see it. It is our belief that this amazing Superb Gem example is the single finest known 1898-S Half Eagle.<BR><I>Ex: United States Mint; J.M. Clapp (who bought it from the Mint for face value); John H. Clapp; Clapp Estate; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. (Bowers and Ruddy, 10/1982), lot 597.</B></I><BR><I>From The Larj Collection.</B></I>