The 1861 half eagle is, by far, the most available Civil War half eagle; an understandable situation when one considers its mintage figure is greater than all of the other issues from this era combined. It is very common in circulated grades and readily available in the lowest Uncirculated grades. It is scarce in properly graded MS63, rare in MS64 and very rare as a Gem.

This is a pleasing, original example with nice light to medium yellow-gold color which is complimented by some greenish hues towards the borders. The luster is satiny and the surfaces show the usual basining striations which are found on most Philadelphia gold coins from this year. There are some visible abrasions in the left obverse field which limit the grade.

There have been three auction appearances for MS63 1861 half eagles since early 2011 and these coins, all non-approved by CAC, brought $4,994, $5,463 and $5,319, respectively.

In the next grade up, this issue doubles in price and this makes a nice MS63 the best value grade, in my opinion.