Only 1,660 business strikes of this date were made and as few as 50 are known in all grades. Surprisingly, there are as many as five to six nice Uncirculated pieces known, the result of a small hoard which, I have been told, was found in Europe a few decades ago. PCGS has graded two examples finer than the present coin but at least one of these, ex Goldberg 2/07: 2327, has funky orange-gold coloration. Another is off the market in a specialist’s collection.

This is a remarkable coin which I really feel should have graded a full MS64 by PCGS. It is slightly prooflike with satiny luster mixed into the surfaces; some contrast can be seen between the devices which are frosted and the nearby fields. The color is sensational with rich rose, orange-gold and greenish hues seen on either side and the strike is extremely sharp. A few tiny nicks in the left obverse field are not easy to see unless the coin is tilted and the reverse is of full Gem quality. The eye appeal is literally off the charts.

Goldberg 2/07: 2327, graded MS64 by PCGS, sold for $20,700. An NGC MS64 brought $31,050 all the way back in the 1997 ANA auction.

Items like this, which combine true rarity with amazing preservation and great beauty, are the true Trophy Coins in today’s market and this is among the most exciting With Motto half eagles which I have owned in some time.

CAC has approved this one example in this grade with none finer. The next highest graded is an AU55.