1862-S $5 MS(PCGS#8293)

Spring 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

3147

等级

MS61

价格

308,693

详细说明

The only PCGS-certified Mint State 1862-S half eagle to appear at auction since our (American Numismatic Rarities') sale of the Franklinton Collection in August 2006, and one of only two uncirculated examples of the issue currently listed on the <em>PCGS Population Report</em>. Bright, brilliant surfaces exhibit pleasing frosty luster and light golden-wheat color. Wisps of pale pinkish-rose iridescence are present to provide further appeal for the persistent viewer. Scattered marks help to explain the BU grade, but few are singularly distracting. Sharply struck and remarkable in preservation for an issue that is rare even in worn condition.<p>The 1862-S has a higher mintage than its identically dated Philadelphia Mint counterpart, 9,500 vs. 4,430 circulation strikes. The reason for this discrepancy is that, while gold coins were withdrawn from commerce in the East and Midwest in late 1861/early 1862, they continued to see active circulation on the West Coast throughout the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. And circulate this issue did, for most 1862-S half eagles have long since been lost with the bulk of the 100 or so coins believed extant well worn and/or impaired. Mint State survivors can be counted on one hand, and even our long-running offering of the extensive Fairmont Collection yielded "only" a PCGS AU-53 as the finest 1862-S. The present example in PCGS MS-61 ranks high in the Condition Census and represents a very rare - if not once in a lifetime - find for the advanced Liberty Head gold enthusiast.