LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Signature Coin - Charlotte, NC #434  / 

2318

1916-S $5 MS65 PCGS. Boston sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt''

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:3.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1916-S $5 MS65 PCGS. Boston sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt''
<B>1916-S $5 MS65 PCGS.</B></I> Boston sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt's Indian half eagle was the direct result of Theodore Roosevelt's effort to change the face of American coinage in the first decade of the 20th century. Pratt's quarter eagle and half eagle were the first and only U.S. coins struck by the Mint with their designs in reduced relief. However, according to the ninth edition of <I>United States Pattern Coins,</B></I> if not for a series of little-known events in 1908, Pratt's design might have never graced the half eagle.<BR> Early in 1908, pattern strikings were made of an Indian Head half eagle designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, but before coins could be struck for circulation, Dr. William Sturgis Bigelow, President Roosevelt's close friend, showed him Pratt's Indian Head design. On September 21, 1908, 10 patterns are said to have been supplied to President Roosevelt, examined, and approved, then all but one returned to the Mint for melting. The current whereabouts of the piece retained by the president are unknown. While the 1916-S is not the noted rarity it once was due to the appearance of a hoard in Central America several years ago, the hoard coins have not had an impact on the availability of Gems. This relatively high-mintage (240,000 pieces) half eagle is scarce in the lower and middle Mint State grades, and very scarce in near-Gem, as bagmarks on the reverse field are commonplace for the type. Specimens in Gem condition are quite difficult to locate. The surfaces are exceptionally attractive on this piece with deep reddish-golden and lilac colors blended together on each side. Fully struck, even on the lowest feather of the headdress and at the top of the eagle's wing. This is the final San Francisco Mint issue of the denomination, and only one other issue was struck, in 1929. Advanced collectors of Indian Head half eagles seldom have an opportunity to acquire such a fine example of this date, as only a few Gem pieces are known. Population: 8 in 65, 0 finer (3/07).<BR><I>From The Palakika Collection.</B></I><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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