1891 Half Eagle (1891 $5) NGC MS65* DPL (Deep Proof Like). This exceptional 1891 Half Eagle has deep proof-like surfaces and shimmering mint luster on its frosty devices. A few tiny marks are present on both sides, none worthy of individual mention; however, they keep the coin from an even higher mint state grade. The star designation indicates NGCs acknowledgment that the coin is of superior quality for the grade.

All of the devices are razor sharp and clear on both sides of this fully struck half eagle. Deep proof-like coins are unusual because of the high amount of contrast seen between the devices and the field. Often they have been struck from polished dies on blanks that may have also been polished. The contrast is also found on coins that are among the first to be struck by new dies.

Originally designed by Christian Gobrecht, the 1891 half eagle shows a profile of Liberty facing left. She is surrounded by thirteen six-pointed stars. She wears a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, and her hair is tied with beads. Two long curls flow down her neck. The date is below the truncation. Surrounding the coin are dentils on both sides. The reverse shows the heraldic eagle with wings outstretched. The Federal shield is on its breast. In its talons it holds the symbols of peace and preparedness, the olive branch and arrows. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, interrupted by the wing tips, is above, and the denomination, written as FIVE D. is below. The denomination is separated from the inscription by dots. A banner above the eagles head has the motto inscribed IN GOD WE TRUST.

Responding to pressure initiated by the Reverend M.R. Watkinson of Pennsylvania, Congress acted to add the motto IN GOD WE TRUST to the countrys coinage that was large enough to accommodate it. Perhaps the legislators were afraid of being seen as atheists. In any case, in 1866 the motto was added to several denominations including the half eagle.

Christian Gobrecht was the third Chief Engraver at Mint in Philadelphia. He was born in Hanover, Pennsylvania in 1785. His father, a German immigrant, was a reverend. His mother, Elizabeth Sands was a descendent of the early settlers of Plymouth Colony. In 1818 Gobrecht married Mary Hewes. After an apprenticeship, he became an engraver of clockworks in Baltimore. Later, in Philadelphia, he joined the banknote engraving firm. He invented a machine that enabled one to convert a three-dimensional medal into an illustration. His first work for the United States Mint was in 1826 when he made dies as an assistant to William Kneass. When Kneass was unable to continue working because of a stroke, Gobrecht did all the die and pattern work. He became Chief Engraver in 1840 and served until his death in 1844. Famous for his Liberty Seated dollar obverse, which was used for all denomination of silver coinage, he was responsible for also designing the Liberty Head motif that was first used on the gold eagle, and then on the half cent, the cent, and the gold quarter and half eagles.

With an original mintage of 61,360, the 1891 half eagle is not particularly rare. However, in mint state 65 with deep mirror proof-like surfaces, the coin is a condition rarity. In its population report NGC shows only this coin in 65 DPL. While PGCS does not list coins in DPL, it shows none in MS 65. This coins outstanding visual appeal makes it the finest specimen obtainable for this date.