1864 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. WB-101. MS-64 (PCGS). CAC.

Very attractive satin to softly frosted surfaces display warm apricot-gray patina and more vivid undertones of powder blue and champagne-gold iridescence. Fully struck and smooth enough to support a Gem Mint State grade were the primary toning just a tad lighter. By 1864 the Civil War was in its fourth year and most silver and gold coinage remained largely out of sight, hoarded due to the insecurity of the times. However, there was enough of a demand for half dollars in some sections of the North and West that both the Philadelphia and San Francisco mints produced the denomination in decent quantities. At Philadelphia, it seems that at least six obverse and five reverse dies were used to strike the 379,100 pieces, per Wiley and Bugert in their study of the issue. Nearly double the quantity were struck at San Francisco, where they immediately went into circulation in a coin-starved West and remained there for years. Those coined at Philadelphia were mostly stored away in vaults, some for many years. By the time many of these coins were released, there were enough numismatists who recognized their importance that a significant number of Mint State examples were preserved. However, the time spent in sacks with other half dollars took its toll. Only a tiny number of Choice and finer quality coins are known, and these are coveted by connoisseurs of the series. The offered example will certainly attract a lot of attention when it crosses the auction block.

PCGS# 6311. NGC ID: 24JD.

PCGS Population: 16; 11 finer (MS-67+ finest). CAC Population: 4; 4.

From the Abigail Collection, Part II.

Estimate: $ 3000