1929 Indian Half Eagle. AU-50 (PCGS).This is a very collectible AU quality example of this well known rarity from the final year of Indian half eagle production. Pretty medium gold patina covers surfaces that retain bold striking detail and traces of original mint luster. As with so many issues in the four popular Indian and Saint-Gaudens gold series of the early 20th century, the mintage of the 1929 half eagle is a poor indicator of the availability of examples in todays market. Although 662,000 coins were struck, the 1929 is the rarest issue of its type in terms of total number of coins believed extant. Few examples were actually released into commercial channels or distributed to contemporary collectors, and the bulk of the mintage remained in government vaults until melted in 1937 in the aftermath of the gold recall enacted earlier that decade. The offering of any 1929 half eagle is a significant numismatic event, and this appealing survivor is sure to see spirited bidding.From the Boston Old City Hall Collection. Earlier ex our (Stacks) sale of January 1994, lot 1986. Lot tag included.
