The 1860 is one of the scarcer No Motto half eagles struck at the Philadelphia mint prior to the Civil War. There are an estimated 100-125 known, mostly in EF40 to AU53. Properly graded AU58′s are rare and undervalued while this date is very rare in Uncirculated.

This fresh slider would not look out of place in an MS61 holder. It has just a small amount of rub on the high spots, nearly full luster and very nice light to medium natural rose and orange-gold hues. This date is typically seen with very “marky” surfaces and the present example, while abraded, is cleaner than usual. All in all, this is a superior coin for the date and grade.

Two PCGS AU58 examples of the 1860 half eagle traded at auction in 2014. One realized $3,290 as Heritage 4/14: 6431 while another (choice for the grade and housed in an older holder) sold for $4,700.

Are you looking for a challenging yet affordable set? Why not consider P mint half eagles struck between 1839 and 1861; a set which can be completed with nice AU coins for a mid five-figure sum.