Liberty Head Half Eagle

1869-S Liberty Head Half Eagle. EF-45 (PCGS). CAC.

Impressive quality for a survivor of this heavily circulated Frontier era issue. Bathed in pretty honey-rose patina, both sides retain considerable luster in a satin to softly frosted texture. Overall detail is bold, the all important S mintmark a bit soft and devoid of finer definition, but readily appreciable in hand. Simply put, this is a scarce issue in an absolute sense that is rare in grades above EF. Extensive commercial use claimed most of the 31,000 half eagles struck in the San Francisco Mint during 1869, and most of the few survivors are well worn if not also impaired. Mint State examples are all but unknown, this handsome Choice EF coin representing the finest in quality realistically obtainable for many collectors.

PCGS# 8318. NGC ID: 25W8.

PCGS Population: 12: 20 finer, just two of which are Mint State (MS-62+ finest).

From the Fairmont Collection.

Estimate: $ 2250