Indian Half Eagles
1929 $5 AU58 PCGS. Although the Mint struck 662,000 half eagles in 1929, few were ever distributed to the public. Most of the mintage was still in government vaults when the 1933 gold recall order mandated its melting. Since the issue never circulated to a meaningful extent, most pieces known today are in various Mint State grades. The present high-end AU coin is a rarity with light high-point wear. Such pieces are in demand among budget-restricted collectors, and the supply is extremely limited. We have previously handled dozens of Mint State coins but only four AU58 pieces. This is the first near-Mint example we have handled in a PCGS holder since 2007. More recently, an NGC coin in this grade garnered more than $30,000 (Heritage, 2/2014).
The present example shows satiny yellow-gold surfaces with little evidence of wear. Scattered light abrasions are typical of the grade and issue. A loupe reveals minor strike softness on the lower headdress feathers.
From The Faris Collection.
HID02901242017