CAC APPROVED PCGS AU53 1856-D HALF EAGLE

Variety 39-FF.

Because of the discovery of a small hoard a few decades ago, this date is actually seen more in the lower Mint State grades than it is in the AU53 to AU55 range. I regard properly graded 1856-D half eagles in the middle AU grades to be very scarce and this is confirmed by the low CAC population in this range.

This piece is quite choice for the assigned grade and it could just as easily have been graded AU55. It shows little in the way of actual wear and, as usual, PCGS has confused the weakness of strike at the centers—as seen on every known 1856-D—as wear. Both sides are very clean and there is a good deal of luster visible.

There are two auction records for this date in PCGS/CAC AU53: this coin (see below) and a second example which brought $3,840 as Heritage 3/2017: 2391.

This piece represents one of the nicest circulated 1856-D half eagles I have seen in some time and it is good value at this price level.

CAC has approved four in this grade with five finer.

Ex Stack’s Bowers 3/2017: 2391 where it realized $5,405.

From the Indian Rocks Beach Collection

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