1908-S $10 MS67 Certification #30131728, PCGS #8861

CoinFacts Details

Expert Comments

David Akers (1975/88)

The 1908-S is very rare in all Mint State grades but, unlike many issues of this type, the rarity does not materially increase until one reaches the MS-65 level, where the population drops off by more than half when compared to any single lower grade. However, there are a relatively high number of gems of this issue in existence ("high" as used in the context of Indian Head eagles, that is) and there are also a small number of superb quality, near perfect specimens known. Kruthoffer's brought $30,000 in 1981 and was essentially perfect, and a few others approach this level of perfection, including one in a prominent old-time Midwestern collection. I own two MS-67+ pieces, and the 1976 ANA specimen now owned by Dr. Steven Dukor, as well as the Eliasberg coin now in Dr. Thaine Price's collection, are also both distinctly better than MS-65.

The 1908-S is always very sharply struck. Like the half eagle and double eagle of the same date and mint, the 1908-S eagle comes with two very different, distinct finishes. One is frosty and very finely granular, and on these specimens the lustre is very good but not outstanding. The other finish (much more rare) is extremely satiny, and with these examples the lustre is always exceptionally radiant. Color varies on this issue from light orange and greenish gold to coppery gold. In top grade, there is no better looking coin in the series than the 1908-S.

PCGS #

8861

Designer

Augustus Saint Gaudens

Edge

Raised Stars

Diameter

26.80 millimeters

Weight

16.70 grams

Mintage

59850

Metal

90% Gold, 10% Copper

Pop Higher

Pop Lower

944

Region

The United States of America

Price Guide

PCGS Population

Auctions - PCGS Graded

Auctions - NGC Graded

Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.	Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.	Relative Rarity by Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.	Relative Rarity by Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
65 or Better	1750	R-4.7	6 / 27 TIE	8 / 32 TIE
All Grades	450	R-6.1	8 / 27 TIE	10 / 32 TIE
60 or Better	70	R-8.3	15 / 27 TIE	17 / 32 TIE

Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.
65 or Better	1750
All Grades	450
60 or Better	70

Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.
65 or Better	R-4.7
All Grades	R-6.1
60 or Better	R-8.3

Relative Rarity by Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
65 or Better	6 / 27 TIE
All Grades	8 / 27 TIE
60 or Better	15 / 27 TIE

Relative Rarity by Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
65 or Better	8 / 32 TIE
All Grades	10 / 32 TIE
60 or Better	17 / 32 TIE

Condition Census Learn More

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS68+ PCGS grade	Paul Taylor Collection - Heritage 1/2005:30647, $149,500 - Simpson Collection
2	MS68 PCGS grade	Stack's "ANA Sale 1976 (per Akers write-up in the Thaine Price auction) - Dr. Steven Duckor - Heritage 4/2006:3885, $115,000 - Jim O'Neal - Heritage 1/2009:3507, $80,500 - Heritage 7/2009:1309, $94,875
2	MS68 PCGS grade
4	MS68 estimated grade	Bentley Shores Collection - Stack’s/Bowers 8/2013:4537, $182,125
5	MS67 PCGS grade	Kutasi Collection - Heritage 1/2007:3166, $46,000

#1 MS68+ PCGS grade

Paul Taylor Collection - Heritage 1/2005:30647, $149,500 - Simpson Collection

#2 MS68 PCGS grade

Stack's "ANA Sale 1976 (per Akers write-up in the Thaine Price auction) - Dr. Steven Duckor - Heritage 4/2006:3885, $115,000 - Jim O'Neal - Heritage 1/2009:3507, $80,500 - Heritage 7/2009:1309, $94,875

#2 MS68 PCGS grade

#4 MS68 estimated grade

Bentley Shores Collection - Stack’s/Bowers 8/2013:4537, $182,125

#5 MS67 PCGS grade

Kutasi Collection - Heritage 1/2007:3166, $46,000