NON-SHIPWRECK PCGS/CAC MS61 1857-S HALF EAGLE

Until a small number of high-grade 1857-S half eagles were discovered amongst the thousands of gold coins from the S.S. Central America cargo, this date was extremely rare in Uncirculated. Today, there are an estimated 15 to 20 known, with the finest being one each in MS65, MS65+ and MS66.

This is a very Fairmont-esque example (although it is not designated as being from this source) as it shows deep honey-gold color over highly lustrous surfaces. The strike is as sharp as on any No Motto half eagle I can recall having seen and were it not for a small mark just past the edge of Liberty’s mouth, this coin would have received serious consideration at the MS62 level.

There are three APRs for a PCGS MS61 1857-S half eagle since 2000, and all three are for the same coin. The sales records are as follows: Heritage 2025 ANA: 3133 ($8,400); Heritage 2025 FUN: 5576 ($9,000); and Stack’s Bowers 4/2022: 5088 ($11,000).

Here is a perfect coin for a high-grade No Motto Liberty half eagle set.

CAC has approved two in MS61 with a dozen finer.

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