RARE LOW MINTAGE 1869 HALF EAGLE IN PCGS AU58

I love Reconstruction Era half eagles and eagles; many of which are low-mintage rarities. The 1869 certainly qualifies as it has a mintage of just 1,760 business strikes which places it as the second lowest number made for circulation among the P mint half eagles of this time period. Around 50 or so exist with the typical piece being a very abraded low-end AU. In Uncirculated, this date is unique with the sole coin known to me (graded MS64 and MS64PL by NGC) last selling for just $28,750 back in 2003.

This piece is highly reflective and shows fewer detracting abrasions than the majority of 1869 half eagles. The overall “look” of this pleasing coin suggests a possible Proof status although I am certain it is a business strike.

Since the 8/2011 sale of another PCGS AU58 at $8,596, the recent sale of this example is the sole APR I can locate for another non-CAC AU58 coin from this service. Stacks Bowers sold a nice PCGS/CAC AU58 (with a CAC population of just 2/0) for a reasonable $13,200 in 8/2022.

If this series ever became more popular with collectors, I could see a nice AU58 1869 half eagle doubling in price.

Ex Heritage 6/2026: 92103 where it sold for $9,760.

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