The 1867-S is one of the two or three rarest With Motto half eagles from the san Francisco mint with just 75-85 known from an original mintage of 29,000. It is seen most often in VF-EF grades and it is very rare in properly graded AU with less than a dozen known. There are likely no more than three or four extent in AU55 to AU58 and none are even close to Uncirculated. This is an unheralded date which is actually rarer than some of the famous CC half eagles from the 1870′s.

As is typical for this issue, the surfaces show scattered marks but none are detracting and a majority of the luster shows plainly below rose-gold color. The strike shows some typical weakness at the centers but many of the stars show radial lines. The eye appeal is far above average for the issue and this is likely close to–if not in–the Condition census for the date.

No PCGS AU53 has sold since Bass II: 1161 brought $7,762 all the way back in October 1999.

Looking back at my records, I have not handled a finer 1867-S half eagle since I sold a PCGS AU55 in 2006. An important San Francisco half eagle for the informed specialist.

THIS COIN HAS NOT BEEN SENT TO CAC.