NGC AU58 1855-S HALF EAGLE WITH CAC APPROVAL

For all intents and purposes, this is the first obtainable half eagle from San Francisco given the extreme rarity of the 1854-S. This date is more available in lower grades than one might expect but it is rare in properly graded AU58 and extremely rare in Uncirculated with no more than two or three known.

This is among the best 1855-S half eagles I have handled and it is extremely lustrous with very light friction confined to the high spots on the obverse. Both sides are lightly marked and show pleasing natural light yellow and greenish gold hues which are correct for the issue. The eye appeal is far above average for the date and grade.

No CAC approved AU58 1855-S half eagle from either service has ever sold at auction. Two lower-end PCGS AU58's realized $4,729 and $4,935 in 2017 auction appearances and these were way inferior to the present piece.

If you could locate a nice MS61 1855-S half eagle, you would likely pay in the $12,500-15,000 range and it would likely not be as cosmetic as the current example.

CAC has approved two in this grade with just one finer (MS61).

FROM THE ESSEX COLLECTION