An MS64-graded 1915-S Indian half eagle has realised $94,000 at Heritage Auctions.
The lot led the US Coins Signature Auction at the Houston Money Show on December 3-6.
 The 1915-S Indian half eagle was minted in San Francisco |
Only 164,000 were minted, of which very few have survived. A total of 23 are recorded as being in gem (or uncirculated) state, the present lot among them.
Heritage comments: "The 1915-S is one of the rarest and most important issues in the Indian Head five dollar series. While the 1914-S issue is more difficult to locate in MS64 or higher grades, the 1915-S is rarer in all grades.
"Even nice circulated coins can be difficult to find, but it is in Mint State where the '15-S becomes an extreme challenge.
"Low-grade Uncirculated coins through MS62 are scarce, MS63 pieces are rare, MS64 are very rare, and Gem or better pieces are virtually unobtainable."
An MS64-graded 1652 Oak shilling minted in the colony of Massachusetts Bay made $54,040.
The coins were the first minted in the United States and are thus a key piece of American numismatic history.
They were first issued after King Charles II was forced from the throne, making the old English coinage used in the colony worthless.
We have a fascinating selection of coins available, click here to take a look.
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