Strong mintmark variety; not identified as such by PCGS.

As a date the 1854-C is only moderately scarce but the majority of examples, especially those graded AU50 and higher, show a weak mintmark. Any example with a strong C is rare and a piece which is also choice and original is all but unheard of.

This is likely the single nicest circulated 1854-C half eagle with a strong mintmark which I have ever seen. It is deeply toned with a rich burnt-orange hue on the obverse and superb reddish hues on the reverse; these colors cover satiny surfaces. The strike is extremely sharp with just a bit of weakness at the centers; the surfaces are clean and wholesome save for a tiny squiggle below AM in AMERICA.

There are no auction comparables as every PCGS AU50 1854-C to sell at auction is the Weak C variety. A PCGS AU53 with a strong mintmark sold cheaply for $3,819 as Stacks Bowers 9/13: 3819; I bought it and would have happily paid $1,000 more.

If you a savvy collector of Charlotte half eagles, you know just how significant this coin is.

CAC has approved three in this grade with none higher; a total of 6 have been approved for this date.