1856 $5.00 PCGS MS61 CAC

While very common in all circulated grades, the 1856 half eagle is not at all common in Uncirculated and nearly impossible above the MS62 to MS63 level. This lovely, fresh example has great eye appeal for the grade and looks more like a coin in an MS62 holder. The surfaces are very clean and show attractive golden-orange color. This piece has never been dipped or brightened and this can be established by the fact that there is a natural copper spot on the reverse at the first T in STATES. What appears to be a scratch on the cheek of Liberty is actually a mint-made raised die line that I have seen on a number of other examples of this date. Only three PCGS MS61's of this date have appeared at auction since May 2007. This is one of only two MS61 1856 half eagles approved by PCGS with one finer. A wonderful No Motto type coin.