PCGS MS61 1859-D $5, ex Hansen

Medium D mintmark.

As on all higher grade examples of this date, the lustrous is soft and billowy in appearance. Both sides show a rich yellow-gold hue and are clean save for a few wispy lines on the obverse. There are some unusual mint-made streaks in the planchet which can be seen on the reverse. This is due to improper alloying and it represents the presence of some of the copper that was mixed in with he gold to harden the planchets or striking.

This piece qualifies at the very end of the Census for the issue and it is a rare date in any Uncirculated grade with around a dozen or so known in total.

This would make an excellent type coin for the collector seeking a single comparably high-grade Dahlonega half eagle.

From the DL Hansen Collection and ex Stacks Bowers 2022 ANA: 6145 where it sold for $22,800.

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