THE SECOND FINEST KNOWN 1860 HALF EAGLE

This overlooked date is much rarer than its mintage of 19,763 would suggest, especially in higher grades. I know of exactly four Uncirculated 1860 half eagles of which the present coin is unquestionably the second best.

Until it recently reappeared on the market, this coin had been held privately since 1995 and it has been spared any numismatic monkey business in that decade and a half. The surfaces are extremely frosty and show a vibrancy not often seen on No Motto half eagles. The color is a pleasing light orange-gold and the details are totally defined on both sides. There are a few small ticks in the obverse fields which preclude a higher grade but to be honest, I think this coin should be graded MS63+.

The finest known business strike 1860 half eagle is the Bass II: 1120 coin which sold for $23,000 back in October 1999.

This piece would make a splendid addition to a Liberty Head half eagle set or it would fit well into a type set as a high quality representation of the No Motto Liberty Head half eagle type.

Ex: Heritage 4/15: 5345 (where it brought $15,863 as an NGC MS63); earlier sold as Milas: 518 (Stack’s 5/95) where it realized $11,500.

CAC has approved one in the grade with none finer. It is the only Uncirculated 1860 half eagle to be approved by CAC.