HISTORIC 1861-C HALF EAGLE, PCGS AU55

Variety 1.

The 1861-C is numismatically significant as the final coin of any denomination struck at the Charlotte mint. At least 887 of the 6,879 were struck by the Confederacy but it is not possible to determine which of these are. Viewed as a date, the 1861-C is scarce in all grades and it becomes rare in properly graded AU55.

This fresh-to-the-market example is very "meaty" with copious amounts of mint luster seen on both sides. The strike is typical for the issue with some minor weakness at the centers while the surfaces show small, scattered marks which are consistent with the assigned grade. The eye appeal is clearly above average for the date and grade.

There has been just one 1861-C half eagle graded AU55 sold at auction since January 2008 and it realized $17,250 as Heritage 1/12: 4905.

For many years, prices for this issue and the 1861-D half eagle were directly correlated but the latter issue has soared in price due to its Confederate connection. In my opinion, nice 1861-C half eagles are undervalued and the popularity of Civil War gold should continue to raise the profile for this issue in the coming years.