CONDITION CENSUS 1860-S HALF EAGLE

Of the 21,200 struck, around 60-70 1860-S half eagles exist today. When available, the typical piece grades EF40 to AU50 and choice AU pieces are extremely rare. In Uncirculated, the 1860-S is unique with the Eliasberg/Bass example, which sold for $27,600 in 1999, grading MS62 at PCGS.

This solid Condition Census is tied with one other 1860-S half eagle as the second finest known and it is far and away the best currently available to collectors. It is well made and well detailed with lovely natural medium orange-gold color accentuated by reddish-gold and rose undertones. Other than a few old lines around the top of the date, the surfaces are choice and this is an exceptional example of a date which is usually found abraded and abused.

This coin (see below) is the only PCGS AU58 example to sell at auction since 2006.

For the advanced collector of No Motto San Francisco gold or for the Liberty Head half eagle specialist, this is a very important coin.

Ex Heritage 4/14: 6438 where it sold for $19,975.