7010

1909 $5 PR67 NGC. Unlike the 1908 with its hefty

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1909 $5 PR67 NGC. Unlike the 1908 with its hefty
<B>1909 $5 PR67 NGC.</B></I> Unlike the 1908 with its hefty mintage, in 1909 Half Eagles had a sparse production of only 78 proofs. Proofs of this year were difficult to obtain even around the time of their issuance. To reinforce this legend of contemporary scarcity, the story has often been told of how Robert Garrett neglected to order a gold proof set directly from the mint in 1909 and it took until 1913 for Henry Chapman to locate one for him. We would estimate that somewhere between 30 and 40 proofs exist today.<BR> Proofs of this year are of the Roman Gold style, that is, a hybrid semi-brilliant and satiny finish. This brighter proofing process was limited to only this and the following year, and survivors are of the highest order of rarity. This is an exquisite piece of proof gold. The surfaces are bright and satiny with just a touch of light orange patina. Even under strong magnification the coin is essentially flawless. Every striking detail is fully articulated, as one only sees on proofs, and the overall eye appeal of the coin is enormous. Population: 9 in 67, 2 finer (2/05).