1867-S Liberty Head Half Eagle. AU-55 (PCGS). CAC.
Vivid reddish-gold overtones enliven a base of deep honey color. This is a beautiful, fully original 1860s San Francisco Mint half eagle, one that is enhanced by virtually full, lively frosty luster. Well struck with most features sharp. The 1867-S half eagle tells a familiar story for an early date gold issue from the San Francisco Mint: few coins were struck (in this case, just 29,000 pieces), virtually all of which succumbed to heavy commercial use. In a comment that could be applied to so many early S-Mint gold coins, Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth (2008) describe the 1867-S half eagle as "one of the most underrated [issues] in the entire Liberty Head series." A quick perusal of our auction archives will confirm three things concerning this issue: -This is only our fourth offering for the 1867-S half eagle in eight years. -Our offerings for this issue have been few over the last 20 years. -The vast majority of survivors grade VF or EF, often with significant impairments. Indeed, of the 100 or so coins extant, few are About Uncirculated. Premium quality Choice AU examples such as this are particularly rare, and they are also significant given that the 1867-S half eagle is represented by only a single Mint State coin at PCGS. (NGC also reports a lone grading event in MS-61, which is likely an earlier submission of that same coin.) Tied for CC#4, the beautiful Fairmont-JBR coin offered here is making its first appearance in the modern numismatic market. It is a significant condition rarity that would serve as a highlight in even the finest gold cabinet.
PCGS# 8314. NGC ID: 25W4.
PCGS Population: 2; 5 finer, just one of which is Mint State (MS-61).
From the Fairmont Collection - JBR Set.