Mintage: 16,402

This lovely coin possesses all the characteristics of an AU-58 example, but for some reason PCGS graders held out stubbornly for a 55 rating. It’s sad too, because of how close this coin’s eye appeal is to that of an MS-61 specimen. The luster is sparkling and the rich golden-orange color is exquisite. The details on all the high points are much bolder than usually seen on examples of this date. The only negatives might be the wispy hairlines which are barely visible in the left obverse fields and around the date. A few minor contact marks are scattered here and there as might be expected. The bold diagnostics are enticing. The raised spike of metal running though RTY in LIBERTY is plainly visible, as are two other raised lines, one across Liberty’s cheek and a small vertical one on her neck. And there’s a small raised dot of metal in front of her neck for good measure. You don’t get more interesting and more appealing gold coins to look at in AU-55 holders.

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