1916-S Indian Half Eagle. MS-64+ (PCGS). CAC. This is an exceptionally sharp San Francisco Mint Indian five. The detail is uniformly full including a well defined and fully appreciable mintmark. Luster quality is no less impressive; the texture soft, satiny and toned in a lovely shade of yellow-gold. The preservation fully justifies the Choice Mint State grade from PCGS and it is easily among the most appealing survivors of this challenging semi-key date issue. Just 13 coins have been certified finer. Although several small hoards of Uncirculated coins entered the numismatic market from overseas sources beginning in the early to mid 1980s, the 1916-S remains elusive in grades above MS-63. The typical hoard coin, while invariably well struck, is heavily abraded with inferior luster quality. Additionally, not enough Mint State examples have been located to place the 1916-S among the more plentiful Indian half eagles. Accordingly this is one of the scarcer issues of its type in Mint State. With the technical quality and eye appeal offered here the 1916-S is rarer yet, a fact that is sure to result in strong competition for this lot.
