Lot 1286
1863-S $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-50. Only 17,000 minted. Just 5 points shy of the renowned Harry Bass specimen. Current estimates suggest that only 25 to 35 coins survive of this well-known rarity. Traces of gold luster with design details strong in all areas, including on the eagle's legs and claws. Pleasing surfaces with some marks consistent with the grade assigned. The reverse has a short ding in the upper field by D, serving as an ideal pedigree marker (if any useful purpose can be found for a scratch, this might be it).
It bears repeating, even though specialists in the series are familiar with the fact, that the 1863-S half eagle is very rare in any condition. Auction data do not lie: most specimens that have appeared on the auction market were in Fine to Very Fine range. Some put this at least as rare as the 1863-P and actually rarer in high grade. It is comparable to the 1858-S and 1860-S in overall rarity and is equally impossible to obtain in choice condition. A "last chance" opportunity for the devoted Half Eagle date collector! Pop 2; 3 in AU53; 3 in AU55; 22 in AU58. (PCGS # 8295) .
Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500.
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| Realized $6,900 |
