RARE PCGS/CAC AU55 1862 HALF EAGLE

As recently as five years ago, the 1862 was all but unknown in AU55 and higher grades. A surge in prices has brought some pieces out of hiding and today this date is still rare but not as much so as I once thought. From a mintage of just 4,430 business strikes, there are around five to six dozen known and I've still only seen two 1862 half eagles (a PCGS MS61, ex Heritage 10/16:3312 and a PCGS MS62, ex Goldberg 5/07: 1610) which I regarded as full Uncirculated coins.

This is a very pleasing example for the grade with natural russet and light orange-gold toning over very lustrous surfaces. Many higher grade 1862 half eagles are very heavily abraded and this coin is a welcome exception with just a few ticks seen in the fields. The overall appearance is very pleasing with noevidence of enhancements.

Only one PCGS AU55 1862 half eagle has sold at auction since June 1998 and it realized $17,625 as Stacks Bowers 4/13: 1330. NO CAC approved AU55 from either service has sold at auction.

For all intents and purposes this is just about an unimprovable coin for this popular issue.

CAC has approved two in this grade with none finer.

From the HandH Collection.