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193
1589
1909-O. PCGS graded MS-65 PQ.
CAC Approved
.
Only 34,200 minted of which merely 1,416 examples are estimated to have survived
by CoinFacts, this number likely generous as that represents nearly five percent of the original mintage. The vast majority were melted long
ago, and clearly not many were saved at the time of issue. Mint State pieces are few and far between among those known, and gems are
exceptionally rare. In point of fact, this coin is tied with one other as the second finest available to collectore, the finest being the Eliasberg-
Price-O’Neal example at PCGS MS-66 crowned “The Coin” by David Akers. That slightly finer example commanded $646,250 the last time it
sold in 2014. There is one that could grade MS-65+ held in the Smithsonian which is permanently off the market, and next in line comes this
example and the Duckor coin as solid gems. NGC has graded two coins as high as MS-65 of this date but it is not known if these are different
examples or not from those noted in the PCGS Population Report. Frosty and boldly struck with coruscating luster throughout. Sharp struck
mint mark. A wonderful key date that represents the final year of production for the New Orleans Mint, and one of the most coveted gold
issues from this era. There simply was not enough gold flowing into the New Oleans area, or silver for that matter, to warrant keeping this
branch mint open. As a matter of economy and redundancy, the determination was made to shutter the New Orleans Mint at least for that
time, which has since become a permanent situation. Hence, this is one of the last coins struck at this historic mint, and one of the most
sought after of the Indian half eagle series.
Pop 2; 1 finer in 66 (PCGS # 8515)
Estimated Value ....................................................................................................................................................... $350,000 - 400,000
Ex. US Gold from a prominent midwestern family collection.