Lot 1272
1842-C $5 Liberty. Small date. PCGS graded AU-58. A scarce coin. Nice golden toning. An extremely rare coin in high grade, only 4,595 were struck (per Breen), and some of those were likely melted for assay pieces. The die broke on March 22, 1842, and many of the known examples show a sharp die break at the top of the obverse (although this does not). Apparently an earlier strike, there is no sign of the die break visible. A review of the last decade of auctions notes only a few examples sold at auction in all grades.
Long known as the rarest collectible Charlotte Mint gold coin (behind the ultra rare 1849-C open wreath gold dollar) the only finer 1842-C examples are in MS62 (2 pieces) and MS63 (1). Certainly one of the highlights of any gold collection, this coin will be the crowning glory of the most advanced set of half eagles. The delicate toned fields show scattered light ticks from brief circulation, but there is very little wear on the upper hair of Liberty or on the reverse eagle. Tied with at least five others as the third finest graded of the date and a beautiful example for the connoisseur: Pop 6; 2 in 62; 1 in 63. (PCGS # 8208) .
Estimated Value $30,000 - 33,000.
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| Realized $32,200 |
