A Mint-State (MS) 1858-dated 20-cent “Plain 5” variety will cross the auction block in Texas later this month with an estimate of $3,000-$5,000 US (about $3,765-$6,275 Cdn.).
Certified as MS-65 by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), the coin is “an extraordinarily challenging denomination to locate in gem certification, with the vast majority having seen heavy circulation,” according to auctioneers. It’s outranked by only two PCGS-certified examples in MS-66 and another one in MS-66-plus. It’s offered among 685 lots of world coins, including 11 from Canada, in Heritage Auctions’ Oct. 28-29 world and ancient coin “Signature Auction.”
The California-based PCGS has certified 360 examples.
The coin is certified as Mint State-65.
“Even viewed with the naked eye, the offering contains a virtually specimen-like finish, its surfaces glassy and punctuated by touches of sky-blue and russet tones within the recesses of the raised features,” reads the lot description for the coin on offer this month. “Though some light marks can be detected under magnification to confirm the designation, this is truly a standout selection through and through.”
From the Thames Valley Collection, the coin has a top bid – as of Oct. 7 – of $2,000 US (about $2,500 Cdn.), excluding buyer’s premium.