Owner Comments:
The Lafayette Memorial Silver Dollar is considered one of, if not the key date for the collector completing either a type or complete set of classic commemoratives. Its unique and interesting for many reasons including just a few mentioned here. First, this coin was the only dollar minted in the classic set. Secondly, its the only commem struck from hand made dies, therefore it can be collected by die variety ( a bit prohibitive on the cost though!), Also the Lafayette is the 1st legal tender coin to portray an American president and to depict the same person on both coin sides, General Lafayette. Finding this issue in high grade with excellent eye appeal is quite a challenge because the coins were never handled well. Most fell into the tote bins from the coining press and left the mint with bag marks. Worse yet many others have been circulated, cleaned, and or messed with leaving few today that grade a true MS65. This specimen is an eye appealing beauty toned in a beautiful, bright sapphire blue with pleasing pale golden highlights with both coin sides wonderfully matched in color and tone. The surfaces are completely devoid of any noticeable abrasions or imperfections. A superior example of a super coin.
Provenance: Hidden Liberty ( before it was replaced by an MS67).
Population PCGS 252 (3+) in MS65, 76 in 66, 5 in 67 (2+), NGC 193 Includes (2+) , 63 includes 5 in * or +, 8 in 67. (7-12)
Update Pop:PCGS 275, 5 in 65+, 82 in 66, 3 in 66+, 3 in 67, 2 in 67+. NGC: 197 (includes 4+), 64 in 66 (includes 2* & 4+) 9 in 67. CAC: 53 in 65, 12 in 66, 1 in 67. (10/13)