Lot 2449
1865-S $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. This is a highly desirable coin that David Akers noted as usually being found in grades of Fine to Very Fine. Breen refers to 1865-S as "prohibitively rare above VF; unknown above EF" which will give collectors some guidance as to the rarity of this date in high grade. Today there are possibly 4 to 5 known in Mint State grade. The true number of About Uncirculated pieces is much lower than reported in the published reports, however.
The large S mintmark is a bit weak, diagnostic to this variety. Overall the strike is firm, with decent details on Liberty, the stars, and the eagle. The fields show only slight handling marks, and these were from shipping about in a bag rather than heavy circulation, as the coin has so little actual wear. No heavy or annoying rim bumps are present making this coin a highlight of an advanced date collection. Frosty luster in the fields and graced by light coppery orange toning.
Pop 17; 11 in 58; 5 in 61; 1 in 64 (PCGS # 8299) .
Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500.
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