Indian Half Eagle
1911-D Indian Half Eagle. MS-62 (PCGS).
Offered is an exceptionally attractive Mint State example of a key date Indian half eagle issue. Bathed in medium gold patina, both sides are lustrous with bold to sharp striking detail over all design elements. At the time the modest 72,500 half eagles struck at the Denver Mint were produced, numismatists were still beginning to appreciate mint marks. Many collectors, especially those who preferred more traditional avenues for collecting, mostly opted for Proof examples of a particular year. The 1911-D coins were largely ignored when they entered commercial channels, and unlike many of the other larger denomination gold coins at the time, this issue did not have extended sojourns in bags sitting in overseas banks. Rather, based on the number of circulated examples that survive to this day, a significant portion saw everyday use, and were further reduced in quantity by the large scale Treasury melts of the late 1930s. Second only to the 1909-O in terms of rarity and popularity in the Indian half eagle series, the 1911-D has long since gained appreciation as the key issue that it is. While moderately available at the higher circulated preservation levels, in Mint State the issue becomes a remarkable condition rarity, as well. At the assigned grade, it is difficult for us to imagine a more desirable example than the Fairmont specimen offered here. Expect spirited bidding when it crosses the block. A strong bidding strategy is recommended.
PCGS# 8521. NGC ID: 28DR.
Estimate: $11500