RARE 1861-S HALF EAGLE

While 18,000 were struck, the survival rate for the 1861-S half eagle is shockingly low and there are an estimated 65-75 known today including a number in the VF-EF range. Most lower grade examples have been carelessly handled and show problems which make them undesirable despite the strong demand for this Civil War issue.

This is a textbook coin for the grade with extensive but even wear and considerable originality as evidenced by the soft russet and orange hues seen on both sides. There are no detracting marks and the detail present o the eagle’s wings is greater than one might expect for a coin graded VF25.

No VF25 1861-S half eagles have ever sold at auction. The last PCGS VF30 sold for $2,760 as Heritage 7/09: 1575 while a PCGS VF35 brought $4,259 as Heritage 8/14: 3908. Neither was approved by CAC.

This is a lot of bang for the buck in terms of rarity and it is the best available quality for the date at less than $5,000.

CAC has approved one in this grade with two finer; a total of just four in all grades have been approved.