Variety 1. The mintmark is sharply impressed and far to the left.

While often regarded as a common date, the 1854-C is actually the hardest Charlotte half eagle struck in the 1850′s to locate in higher grades. It is very scarce in properly graded AU58 and exceedingly rare in full Mint State with just two or three Sharp Mintmark coins known.

This is one of the two nicest 1854-C half eagles that I have handled in the last few years, along with the Clyde Collection coin (PCGS MS61 but with a weak mintmark). It is sharply struck in light greenish gold with a considerable amount of frosty luster and a virtual absence of wear. The planchet is much better than usual for the date with no roughness or imperfections and the overall detail is far above average with bold centers and borders.

The last sharp mintmark AU58 example of this date to be sold at auction was an NGC coin offered as Heritage 1/13: 7183. It was weakly struck and possibly recolored yet it still realized $4,406.

I have built numerous sets of Charlotte half eagles and this date is always one of the hardest to locate in high grades.