1908-S Indian Half Eagle. MS-64 (PCGS).

1908-S Indian Half Eagle. MS-64 (PCGS).，This is a lovely Choice example of one of the lowest mintage circulation strike Indian half eagles. It is expertly produced, as typical for the issue, with both sides exhibiting razor sharp striking detail and bountiful satin luster. Bright golden yellow patina is seen on the obverse, while the reverse shows delicate silver overtones and a few tiny carbon spots. With its pleasingly original appearance, this coin will be just right for a specialized collection of 20th century U.S. Mint gold coinage.<p>Bela Lyon Pratts unique incuse design made its debut in the quarter eagle and half eagle series in 1908. The San Francisco Mint, which would strike only half eagles of this design, struck 82,000 examples during the first year of this series, the lowest mintage among Indian half eagles after only the 1909-O and 1911-D. As a first year issue a fair number of 1908-S half eagles were set aside by contemporary collectors, and there are some extraordinary Mint State examples known. Many of the Gems and Superb Gems that have been certified by PCGS and NGC in recent decades were once part of a hoard assembled by Chicago beer magnate and famed numismatist Virgil Brand. In an absolute sense, however, Uncirculated survivors are scarce, and the low mintage of this issue has long made it a favorite with advanced collectors. The present near-Gem is sure to be of particular interest to specialists in the challenging Indian half eagle series.，From the Woodward Collection.，