1905 Liberty Head Half Eagle. MS-68 (PCGS). A virtually pristine Superb Gem, this coin is the single finest circulation strike 1905 half eagle graded PCGS. Both sides are as nice as the day of striking, with the surfaces displaying a blend of soft satin luster and warm golden-honey patina. Sharply to fully defined with outstanding visual appeal, this is an ultimate type coin that would do equally well in an advanced cabinet of Liberty Head gold coinage.<p>As a 20th century issue from the Philadelphia Mint, the 1905, at first glance, might appear to be among the more plentiful issues in the Motto portion of the Liberty Head half eagle series. This is far from the truth, however, with Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth (<em>Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins: 1795-1933, 2nd Edition</em>) observing:<p><em>"The 1905 half eagle is scarcer in Mint State condition than most would believe. It is similar in rarity to the 1902 and 1903 issues."</em><p>It is certainly not a coincidence that all three of these issues have relatively low mintages by late date Liberty Head half eagle standards, the 1905 with only 302,200 circulation strikes produced.<p>The present example, in addition to absolute scarcity, also offers exceptional condition rarity for a PCGS-certified example of both the issue and the type. As well as being the very finest graded circulation strike 1905 issue, this coin is also one of only 10 Motto Liberty Head half eagles of all issues certified as either MS-68 or MS-68 PL by PCGS, with just three finer in MS-69. Worthy of the strongest bids, and sure to please even the most discerning gold enthusiast.
