1912 Indian Half Eagle. MS-64 (PCGS). CAC. Vivid reddish-rose iridescence blends with warmer orange-apricot patina. Sharply struck with intense mint luster. The preferred approach to collecting gold coins in the early part of the last century was to acquire a Proof as representative example for a particular year. In 1912, the Sandblast Proof half eagles produced that year were enough to satisfy the needs of the numismatic community, leaving the 790,000 coins struck for circulation to fend for themselves in everyday commerce. It was not until the 1950s that interest began to grow for Mint State specimens, but by then the great Treasury melts had occurred and what coins were left were abraded from extended periods of time spent in bags. Indian half eagles with their unique design elements were particularly prone to surface issues, making them especially arduous to find in the finest grades. The 1912 as an issue was especially impacted and while low end Uncirculated examples may be found with ease, above MS-64 the issue is an important condition rarity. Once underappreciated for its rarity in the finer Mint State grades, now this issue is considered among the scarcest in its series from the Philadelphia Mint. For connoisseurs seeking to assemble a high quality assemblage of gold coins from this period, this is indeed a rare opportunity.<p><p>
