CONDITION CENSUS 1869-S HALF EAGLE

There are a number of unheralded San Francisco half eagles made during the 1866-1877 era and the 1869-S is one of the most overlooked, likely due to its reasonably generous mintage of 31,000. While reasonably available in VF and EF grades, this issue is rare in AU, very rare in properly graded Choice AU and exceedingly rare in Uncirculated with just two or three known.

Totally fresh to the market and sourced from Europe, this choice "slider" shows no real wear but has enough rub on the obverse high spots to grade AU58. Both sides are frosty and show nice rich rose and orange-gold color. Some minor weakness of strike can be seen at the central reverse and this is typical for the issue.

The last PCGS AU58 example of this date to sell at auction realized $9,200 as Superior 5/06: 1135.

This is the best available quality for the date and it would fit well into an exceptional collection of San Francisco half eagles.