Lot 4431
1859-C $5 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63. In PCGS holder 3423673. Nicely toned. Only 31,847 pieces minted. Lustrous smooth surfaces exhibit warm toning iridescence in all areas. The usual stray marks on the face are totally absent here, which makes us think the grading service was being extra conservative in its appraisal of the condition. Liberty's detail is razor-sharp. The reverse strike is more typical for 1859-C with softness in most places as though the die were beyond its usual date for retirement. Yet this is definitely one of the best high-end specimens around, no two ways about it. The overall quality of the obverse especially commends the coin to bidders. The low mintage was further reduced through exporting (during the Civil War), hoarding and eventual loss or melting, so that most of the specimens found in collections from that era are no better than Very Fine or, sometimes, Extremely Fine. Pop 1; 1 finer in 66 (PCGS # 8281) .
(The reverse of most known 1859-C half eagle is weak. Many of the known specimens from the die also show signs of die rust. This reverse die was also used to strike 1860-C half eagles.).
Estimated Value $35,000 - 37,000.
Ohringer Family Trust Holdings.
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| Realized $35,650 |
