LOT Heritage Rare Coin Galleries  /  2007 Signature Coin - Charlotte, NC #432  / 

2015

1909-O $5 MS62 PCGS. If one is a gold coin aficionado,

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1909-O $5 MS62 PCGS. If one is a gold coin aficionado,
<B>1909-O $5 MS62 PCGS.</B></I> If one is a gold coin aficionado, a fierce debate could likely be started by asking "What single coin issue from 1909 has the most cachet?" While Lincoln cent collectors (and Indian cent collectors) might have their favorites ready on the tips of their tongues, enthusiasts of the Indian Head half eagle series would likely have an altogether different response. Barber coin collectors, again, might differ, but in the overall scheme of things there is little doubt that the 1909-O half eagle is the rarest coin produced in 1909. While the New Orleans Mint manufactured generous quantities of 1909-O Barber dimes, the mintages of Barber quarters and halves were each less than 1 million pieces, fairly skimpy for their respective series. Of course, no Lincoln cents or Liberty nickels were made there during the year (but imagine, though--for a moment--the 1909-O VDB cent!). However, when one considers that <I>the only gold coin issue made in New Orleans in 1909 was the half eagle, to the stingy extent of only 34,200 pieces,</B></I> there is really no comparison.<BR> At 34,200 coins, the mintage of the 1909-O half eagle is 7% that of the 1909-S VDB cent, and it is a sure bet that in percentage terms many more of the half eagles circulated than the Lincoln cents, which were widely hoarded at the time of issue. According to the Garrett-Guth <I>Gold Encyclopedia,</B></I> the average grade of the surviving pieces is a bit less than AU55, according to their analysis of auction records from 1991 through early 2006. They further assert that of the more than 1,100 examples (or submissions) certified at NGC, PCGS, and ANACS, only 15% of the surviving population is in Mint State grades, and the average grade is, again, slightly under AU55.<BR> In MS62, the present piece is a true condition rarity. Most collectors of this series settle for an AU piece, because of the cost and elusive nature of truly Uncirculated pieces. While a few higher grade examples have been seen at the services, few could compare in originality with this coin. The surfaces are satiny with subtle shades of lilac and rose-gold over each side. The strike is remarkably strong, we are even tempted to say full except for a bit of weakness at the top of the eagle's wing. The few light abrasions that account for the grade are only visible with magnification. A rare opportunity to acquire this key New Orleans 20th century gold coin in mint condition. Population: 19 in 62, 20 finer (2/07).<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coins & Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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