1846-C Liberty Head Half Eagle. Winter-1, the only known dies. Fine-15 (NGC).
A handsome and boldly colored piece displaying deep honey-orange and reddish-rose toning. The rims are distinct, all major design elements are fully outlined, and some sharper detail remains in the recesses of Liberty's portrait and the eagle's plumage. The 1846-C has a mintage of 12,995 pieces and suffered an especially high rate of attrition through circulation. Obviously the lack of an 1845-C half eagle resulted in this issue enjoying unusually strong commercial demand. The 1846-C is the rarest Charlotte Mint $5 after only the 1842-C Small Date. Doug Winter (2008) accounts for no more than 125 survivors in all grades; the present example is sure to see spirited bidding among Southern gold enthusiasts.
PCGS# 8227. NGC ID: 25TG.