WB-101.

While more available than other silver coins bearing this date/mint combination, the 1870-S is scarce in the lower Uncirculated grades, rare in properly graded MS63 and extremely rare in Gem. There are only two Gems known and both have traded within the last year; the finer of the two brought $67,563 as Heritage 1/14: 5255 while the Gardner II: 98510 coins sold for an impressive $55,813.

This very high end example is far above average for the date and grade with pleasing lilac and golden-grey hues, in mostly similar configurations, on both the sides. The strike is slightly weak at the right obverse border but the centers are bold. The naked-eye appearance is suggestive of at least a point higher than the assigned grade and it is likely that this piece is the nicest slabbed MS63 1870-S half dollar currently available.

A different CAC approved PCGS MS63 1870-S half dollar sold for $4,700 as Heritage 2/13: 3629. In my opinion, it was not nearly as choice as the example I am offering here.

In my opinion, this is among the more undervalued San Francisco half dollars in the entire With Motto series.

CAC has approved two in this grade with four finer.