The 1847 is one of the more available No Motto half eagles as one might expect given its high original mintage of 915,981. It is common in circulated grades and available in the MS60 to MS62 range. It becomes scarce in MS63 and it is very rare in MS64 with no more than five or six properly graded pieces known. The 1847 half eagle is unique in Gem and the only known piece, now graded MS66 by PCGS, brought $110,000 as a raw coin back in 1997 at the Pittman sale.

This borderline Gem is not only one of the finest known 1847 half eagles, it is one of the better No Motto half eagles I have seen as well. It has the look of a Gem with superb satiny luster and rich rose and orange-gold hues. The strike is exceptional with every fine detail up and bold while the eye appeal is just outstanding. A small reeding mark near star five and a few small ticks in the lower field narrowly keep this piece from achieving a Gem grade and being worth $40,000++.

NGC has only graded two examples of this date in MS64+ and one in MS64+*. The latter coin sold for $13,800 as Heritage 2010 ANA: 3501.

This would be an ideal coin to serve as a high end No Motto half eagle type piece and with Gems virtually unavailable (and very expensive when for sale), this lovely coin will be suitable for most any collection.

CAC has approved three in this grade (MS64) with none higher.