1857-S Liberty Head Half Eagle. Small S. AU-50 (PCGS).

Subtle silver highlights accent otherwise honey-apricot surfaces on both sides of this attractively original example. Well struck, lustrous for the grade, and uncommonly smooth in overall appearance. This issue saw extensive commercial use during the California Gold Rush era, and most of the 87,000 pieces produced have long since been lost. Among the few survivors, low grades through VF are the norm. In fact, this issue would be almost unobtainable in AU and Mint State were it not for the fact that a handful of higher grade pieces were discovered as part of the S.S. Central America treasure. Despite this find, the 1857-S remains an important rarity in the highest grades. The example offered here possesses superior quality and eye appeal (it is not a shipwreck find) that are sure to tempt the discerning gold enthusiast.

PCGS# 8275. NGC ID: 25V6.

From the Fairmont Collection.