1847 $5.00 PCGS MS61

To the naked-eye, this example has the appearance of an MS63 but a pair of small scratches on the reverse above VE in FIVE has caused PCGS to properly net grade it to MS61. That said, this is a lovely 1847 half eagle with rich, velvety luster, nice orange-gold color and complete definition on the obverse and reverse. The 1847 is perhaps the most available No Motto half eagle from this decade (and one of the three or four most common No Motto issues of any date) which make it affordable and ideal for type. With marginal quality AU coins now selling for around $1,000, a nice PCGS MS61 at just a small premium over this represents excellent value.