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1911-S $5 MS66 PCGS. Produced in sizeable numbers (1.4 million pieces) for the series, the 1911-S ac

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:NA Estimated At:45.00 - 60.00 USD
1911-S $5 MS66 PCGS. Produced in sizeable numbers (1.4 million pieces) for the series, the 1911-S ac
1911-S $5 MS66 PCGS. Produced in sizeable numbers (1.4 million pieces) for the series, the 1911-S actually boasts the highest mintage among Indian Half Eagles after the 1909-D. Whereas the '09-D is a relatively easy coin to obtain in most Mint State grades, the '11-S is scarce to rare at all levels of Uncirculated preservation. At and above the Select BU threshold, the latter issue is equally as elusive as such lower mintage dates in this series as the 1909-S and 1910-S. Despite the verity of these statements, they are not well known to casual collectors. Indeed, the 1911-S Indian Half Eagle is one of the most underappreciated condition rarities in all of the 20th century U.S. gold series. Writing in 1988 (A Handbook of 20th Century United States Gold Coins: 1907-1933), David Akers had this to say about the '11-S Five: "A small number of gems are known but I am unaware of anything that would even grade MS-65+..." Almost a decade later the author had the opportunity to catalog the John Jay Pittman Collection, and we bet he wanted to retract that statement after seeing the present Gem. In the catalog for the October 21-23, 1997 portion of the Pittman Collection, Akers described this coin as "absolutely beautiful and exceptional in all respects" and "possibly the finest known specimen." Even the most casual glance at the surfaces would be enough to convince any collector that this is truly a wonder coin. Fully original reddish-gold color overlays both sides and accents the rich, frosty textured luster. We note that the luster quality is extraordinary for an issue that usually displays only an average finish at best, and the strike is also noteworthy over the S mintmark. The latter is not only fully formed and sharply brought up, but it possesses bold evidence of doubling. All other design elements are crisply detailed and the mostly smooth, minimally abraded features are exceptionally well preserved for a representative of this conditionally challenging type. There are two important pedigree markers: a nearly vertical abrasion in the lower right reverse field below the motto IN GOD WE TRUST and a small, out-of-the-way spot at 9 o'clock on the obverse rim. This coin is tied for finest certified honors at the major grading services with one other MS66 PCGS example (10/02).Ex: Colonel E.H.R. Green Collection; King Farouk; Palace Collection (Sotheby's, 1954), lot 266, which included seven other coins and sold for the equivalent of $166; John Jay Pittman Collection (Akers, 10/1997), lot 1106, where it realized $66,000. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at the rate of 200-250 per hour. Sometimes eBay Premier live bid software cannot keep up with that pace, so we strongly recommend that you place a realistic proxy bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Also please note that all Heritage/CAA lots purchased through eBay Premier carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions.