Lot 913
1865-S $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. This is a highly underrated coin that David Akers noted as usually being found in grades of Fine to Very Fine. Breen notes that as a date, this is "prohibitively rare above VF; unknown above EF" which will give collectors some guidance as to the rarity of this date in high grade. We note in the NGC Population Report that a cluster of 15 have been graded as AU 55, and another 18 graded in AU-58. Above that only 4 have been graded as MS 61. Clearly we have a large number of resubmittals here, and this has badly skewed the population numbers. The true number of About Uncirculated pieces is much lower than reported in the NGC report. In the massive Harry Bass, Jr. holdings, only two lower grade AU coins were offered, these were the best he could find despite years and years of searching dealers stocks and attending every major sale.
The large S mintmark is a bit weak, diagnostic to this variety. Overall the strike is firm, with sharp details on Liberty and the eagle. The fields show moderate handling marks, and these were from shipping about in a bag rather than heavy circulation, as the coin has so little actual wear. No heavy or annoying marks are present, and this coin would be the highlight of an advanced date collection. Frosty luster in the fields and graced by light coppery toning.
Estimated Value $8,500 - 9,000.
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| Realized $7,475 |
