RARE 1863 HALF EAGLE GRADED AU53 BY PCGS

This scarce and popular Civil War issue is notable for having the fourth lowest mintage figure for any No Motto Liberty Head half eagle from Philadelphia. It trails the 1854-S (268), 1865 (1,295) and the 1861-D (1,597). There are an estimated 45 to 55 known with around 1/3rd in the AU50 to AU55 range. I know of four or five properly graded AU58 coins and there are two or three in Uncirculated including a miraculous PCGS MS65+. The majority of the coins in the AU50 to AU55 range are scrubby and any 1863 half eagle with natural color and unimpaired surfaces is very scare and very desirable.

I recently purchased this coin from a collector via private treaty and it is fresh to the market, having never been sold at auction.

The coin shows natural russet and amber hues and it has not been lightened. While there are some scattered abrasions seen on both sides, none of these is deep or detracting. The overall eye appeal exceeds all but a handful of the 1863 half eagles that I have seen or sold.

While this coin did not receive approval when I submitted it to CAC, in my opinion, it is choice for the date and grade and likely should have been stickered. PCGS has graded five in AU53 with 21 finer. These numbers are substantially inflated by resubmissions.

Heritage sold a decent 1863 $5 in an NGC AU53 holder for $20,400 as 2025 FUN: 4785. In May 2023, the same firm sold a PCGS/CAC AU55 with good color but lots of marks for $37,200, In 2022, Stacks Bowers sold a pair of CAC approved PCGS AU58 1863 half eagles for $78,000 (4/2022) and $50,400 (8/2022).

If you specialize in better date Liberty Head half eagles or are assembling a set of Civil War era gold, this piece is strongly recommended.

PCGS has graded five in AU53 with 21 finer. These numbers are substantially inflated by resubmissions

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