Heritage World Coin Auctions
FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Proof Liberty Half Eagles
1890 $5 PR62 Cameo NGC. Only 88 proof Liberty half eagles were struck in 1890, to accompany a small business-strike mintage of 4,240 pieces. In addition, it is likely that some coins went unsold and were melted after the end of the year. The surviving population numbers no more than 20-25 examples in all grades, and three of those coins are in institutional collections, forever out of reach of eager collectors. High-quality business strikes are at least as rare as the proofs, resulting in intense demand for both formats from date collectors.
The present coin is an attractive MS62 example, wit razor-sharp definition on all design elements. The deeply reflective fields contrast boldly with the frosty devices to create a dramatic cameo effect. The pleasing lemon-yellow surfaces show the slight orange-peel texture of the best 19th century gold proofs, with the minimum number of minor contact marks for the grade. Overall eye appeal is outstanding for the grade. Census: 3 in 62 Cameo, 14 finer (11/16).
1890 $5 PR62 Cameo NGC. Only 88 proof Liberty half eagles were struck in 1890, to accompany a small business-strike mintage of 4,240 pieces. In addition, it is likely that some coins went unsold and were melted after the end of the year. The surviving population numbers no more than 20-25 examples in all grades, and three of those coins are in institutional collections, forever out of reach of eager collectors. High-quality business strikes are at least as rare as the proofs, resulting in intense demand for both formats from date collectors.
The present coin is an attractive MS62 example, wit razor-sharp definition on all design elements. The deeply reflective fields contrast boldly with the frosty devices to create a dramatic cameo effect. The pleasing lemon-yellow surfaces show the slight orange-peel texture of the best 19th century gold proofs, with the minimum number of minor contact marks for the grade. Overall eye appeal is outstanding for the grade. Census: 3 in 62 Cameo, 14 finer (11/16).