VERY RARE CONDITION CENSUS 1874 HALF EAGLE, PCGS/CAC MS62

The 1874 half eagle is a scarce and overlooked issue with fewer than 100 known from an original mintage of just 3,488 business strikes. This date is not often seen finer than AU53 to AU55 and I am aware of just five Uncirculated pieces including a PCGS MS63 (ex Bass) and the finest known which grades PCGS MS64 and was last sold as Lot 1393 in Auction ’89 where it realized $22,000.

This fresh to the market example is frosty and very vibrant in appearance with even light rose and orange surfaces. As is typical for this date, there are scattered marks in the fields with the most noticeable located in the right obverse field; the reverse is choice and grades at least MS63 on its own. The eye appeal is well above average for the grade and this is the finest business strike 1874 half eagle that I’ve ever owned.

No MS62 example of this date has ever sold at auction. An NGC MS61PL sold twice at auction (once in 2006 and again in 2008) for $10,925. The only known example in MS63 sold for $20,700 when it was last offered as Heritage 11/06: 2229.

Here is a truly important coin for the Liberty Head half eagle specialist!

CAC has approved two in Uncirculated: an MS61 and this MS62.