Lot 1280
1873. Closed 3. PCGS graded MS-64. Frosty with lovely light gold toning. In addition to authorizing coinage of the United States' first Nickel five-cent piece, the Act of March 3, 1865 mandated the inclusion of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on all circulating coins of sufficient size. The Half Eagle was the smallest gold denomination affected and, beginning in 1866, the motto duly took its assignment on a scroll that James Barton Longacre added to the upper-reverse field. The addition of this feature represents the last major design change in the durable Liberty Half Eagle series, 1839-1907.
The gold stringency and limited P-mint deliveries necessitated by the outbreak of the Civil War continued through 1877, with many of the S and CC-mint issues from the 1866-1878 era are also very difficult to locate in all grades. This conditionally rare contribution to the sale is heavily frosted with rich gleaming gold surfaces. Impressive too is the strike, which we find is free of censure, being sharp in all areas including the stars and hair. Judged from an aesthetic standpoint, the coin is also possessed of a much finer strike than is typically found for a Mint State 64. Pop 5; 3 finer, 2 in 65, 1 in 66. (PCGS # 8329) .
Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,000.
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