RARE 1861-C HALF EAGLE

The 1861-C is a numismatically significant coin as it is the final half eagle made at the Charlotte mint and the very last coin of any denomination made at this facility. It is an underappreciated issue, especially compared to its counterpart the 1861-D half eagle and most examples are seen in the EF40 to AU50 range with very poor eye appeal.

This fresh-to-the-market example shows attractive deep natural russet color on the obverse and the reverse which is a welcome exception to the usual bleached-out appearance. There is even, appreciable wear on both sides but the overall detail is very acceptable for the issue and the eye appeal is far above-average due to the unmolested appearance. A few small marks on both sides are as expected for the grade.

Only two PCGS EF45 examples have appeared at auction since 2011. One sold for $9,694 in January 2015 while the other brought $9,400 in September 2013. Neither was approved by CAC.

If you have been looking for a nice 1861-C half eagle, I strongly recommend this one as it is the best Extremely Fine I have seen or sold in a number of years.

CAC has approved just this one coin in EF45 with another seven finer.