RARE CHOICE AU 1861-C HALF EAGLE

Variety 1.

The 1861-C is numismatically significant as the final year of issue for the Charlotte half eagles. It is believed that some were made by the Confederacy but there is no positive attribution for such coins, if they even exist. Around 125-150 are known from the original mintage of just 6,879 and choice, original pieces are among the most difficult half eagles from this mint to locate.

This attractive medium yellow-gold example is lustrous and well detailed with excellent eye appeal for the issue. The obverse is close to–if not–a full 55 in terms of detail and remaining luster; the reverse shows a mint-made planchet flaw from the second T in States to below the F in OF which is seen on others of this date.

Only one PCGS AU53 has sold at auction since January 2006 and it brought $11,163 as Stacks Bowers 7/15: 6038. That coin was not CAC approved and, in my opinion, was not nearly as choice as the current piece.

A very important coin for the Charlotte half eagle collector or the Civil War gold specialist and not easily improved upon.

CAC has approved two in this grade with three finer. A total of just six 1861-C half eagles have been approved by CAC.