By James McCartney – Senior Numismatist, Stack’s Bowers ……
The 1905 Liberty Head half eagle is an underrated 20th-century issue that is desirable at all levels of preservation. A mintage of only 302,200 makes it scarcer than many late-date issues, representing a steep drop from the 392,000 Philadelphia strikes of 1904. While readily available in lower Mint State grades, the 1905 is seldom encountered finer than MS-65 and PCGS estimates just 55 distinct specimens survive in Gem and above.
Stack’s Bowers Galleries is thrilled to offer an incredible MS-68 (PCGS) example in our March 2021 Showcase Auction that is the sole finest graded by that service. In addition, it ranks among the finest known Liberty Head half eagles, as it is one of only 10 graded MS-68 by PCGS with none finer for any Philadelphia Mint issue. Only three San Francisco Mint coins have been graded finer at MS-69.
Both sides of this Ultra Gem are virtually flawless, showcasing rich golden patina and subtle honey accents. The superior strike enhances the incredible eye appeal. This Top-Pop offering will be a treasure for advanced PCGS Registry Set participants, as no MS-68 (PCGS) has ever been sold at auction.
This world-class 1905 Liberty Head half eagle will be featured in the Rarities Night session of our March 2021 Auction, accompanied by many important coins including Small Eagle Draped Bust half dollars from the E. Horatio Morgan Collection; spectacular Peace dollars from the Pittstown Collection; and New Orleans Mint rarities from the Collection of Steve Studer. We are accepting consignments to this Showcase event through January 25. A calendar of our entire schedule of upcoming auction events can be found on our website www.StacksBowers.com.
If you would like to consign or have questions about the consignment process, please contact us today at [email protected]
