Liberty Head Half Eagle

1873 Liberty Head Half Eagle. Open 3. MS-62+ (PCGS). CAC.

A scarce and lovely Mint State example of this underrated condition rarity among 1870s half eagle issues. Vivid reddish-rose and deep honey patina blankets lustrous, boldly to sharply struck features. The Mint Act of 1873 included a provision that sent $32,717,185.50 worth of worn gold coins to the melting pot. This bullion was used to strike new gold coins and, due to the popularity of this denomination as a medium of exchange, the half eagle was one of the first to benefit from this new, yet limited supply of gold bullion for new coinage. Gold coins did not circulate within the United States except in the far West, and so much of the Philadelphia Mint's circulation strike half eagle mintage of that date was either exported or remained in Treasury stocks. A limited quantity may have found its way to the West Coast where gold coins continue to circulate extensively.

PCGS# 8328. NGC ID: 25WK.

PCGS Population: 1; 25 finer (MS-65 finest).

From the Fairmont Collection.

Estimate: $ 2000