Deeply saturated indigo toning develops at the obverse rim of this half and encroaches into the center of the fields, mingling gently there with delicate olive-green undertones. As the picturesque color scheme proceeds toward the portrait, cinnamon beauty washes gently in streaks down much of Liberty's face and concludes the artistic expression. The reverse is almost completely saturated by the lovely liquid-crystal cobalt and indigo tones hinted at from the other side, with a fiery cinnamon accent suspended at the rim over STATES. Much to the delight of any perfectionist, the entire coin shows exquisitely precise definition, with the obverse stars brought up to fine central points, and the eagle's head featuring a completely delineated eyeball. A very faint touch of softness may be located at Liberty's temple with persistent evaluation, but anyone who expends so much energy looking for faults that trivial is missing the main point. This is simply an utterly spectacular specimen that needs never be upgraded once placed into a premier collection.

NGC's population report states that only three 1909 half-dollars have been graded PF-68, this being the most recent contributor to the condition census. Viewing images in past auctions of other high-grade examples suggests that nearly all have, as usual, been dipped white (with retoning evident for some), and precious very few retain the jaw-dropping vintage quality of surface that this one does. The inevitable consummation that happens when extreme technical quality meets peerless aesthetic beauty could not be better summed up by this miraculous survivor, and the Scotsman Cataloger's Choice award could not be given a more deserving coin. Put history into your hands with this, a direct link to 1909 when individual coins could still be purchased fresh from the mint and handed down, untouched, to subsequent generations. (PCGS# 006556)