1905 Liberty Head Half Eagle. MS-63 (PCGS).

Beautiful golden-apricot surfaces are further enhanced by lively mint frost. Sharply to fully struck with nicely preserved surfaces. As a 20th century issue from the Philadelphia Mint, the 1905, at first glance, might appear to be among the more plentiful issues in the Motto portion of the Liberty Head half eagle series. This is far from the truth, however, with Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth ( Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins: 1795-1933, 2nd Edition ) observing: "The 1905 half eagle is scarcer in Mint State condition than most would believe. It is similar in rarity to the 1902 and 1903 issues." It is certainly not a coincidence that all three of these issues have relatively low mintages by late date Liberty Head half eagle standards, the 1905 with only 302,200 circulation strikes produced. The Fairmont Collection specimen offered here is one of the most appealing to appear in a Stack's Bowers Galleries auction in recent years. It will certainly elicit strong bids from astute gold enthusiasts.

PCGS# 8411. NGC ID: 25Z6.

From the Fairmont Collection - CBL Set.