This exceptionally well preserved 1908-D half eagle would do justice to the finest collection of 20th century gold. Both sides are smartly impressed with bold to sharp definition throughout the design. Beautiful vivid orange-gold surfaces support satin to softly frosted luster. The 1908-D is very scarce even in properly graded MS-64, and this Gem coin additionally offers an impressive pedigree along with outstanding quality and eye appeal!This piece was obtained directly from the Denver Mint by Albert Fairchild Holden in 1908. At the time the number of numismatists interested in branch mint gold coins of denominations above $2.50 could be counted on the fingers of both hands, perhaps just one hand. Holden, who made his fortune in mining, owned a hotel and also the Cleveland Plain Dealer, was a Renaissance Man in his time. Young Emery May Holden, his daughter, soon acquired an interest in numismatics, working at his side attributing coins such as colonial pieces to the 1875 Crosby reference. After her fathers passing when she was a teenager, Emery May went on to be a numismatic connoisseur for decades afterwards, eventually holding an American Numismatic Association membership for over 70 years! We had a very close relationship with her and her husband, Ambassador R. Henry Norweb, and also their heirs.The Denver Mints initial contribution to the Indian half eagle series amounted to 148,000 pieces. While the 1908 delivery from the Philadelphia Mint was saved in significant numbers as a first year issue, the 1908-D was overlooked with the result that it is far scarcer in all Mint State grades. While a few small hoards of Uncirculated 1908-D half eagles have surfaced over the years, virtually none of them contained any coins that would grade finer than MS-63 by todays standards. The only exception is the Virgil Brand hoard, which included a small number of examples grading MS-64 or finer. Acquired directly from the Denver Mint in 1908, however, the Norweb specimen offered here was obviously not part of the Brand hoard. Also once part of the impressive collection of notable 20th century gold collector Jim ONeal, this Condition Census Gem is one of the finest and most exciting 1908-D half eagles in existence. We anticipate that strong bidding will be required to compete for this exquisite piece.
