1860 $5.00 NGC AU55 CAC

I'm going to let you in on a little secret. In terms of overall rarity, the 1860-P is actually harder to find than the far pricier and more coveted 1860-C and 1860-D half eagles. There were 19,763 struck but many were melted during the Civil War and, today, survivors are not often seen above AU50. This is a very choice, totally original "dirty gold" piece with lovely rose-gold and medium orange hues on the obverse and reverse. The lightly abraded surfaces are clean for the grade and there is a good deal of luster. A small toning spot at the tip of the nose serves as quick identification. An Uncirculated 1860 half eagle hasn't sold at auction since May 2006 and the present example has more character than most of the 58's that I have seen in the past five or so years.