1871-S $5 MS(PCGS#8324)

August 2020 U.S. Coins Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

1432

Grade

XF45

Price

3,360

Lot Description

1871-S Liberty Head Half Eagle. EF-45 (PCGS). CAC. Pretty honey-olive patina blankets both sides, the surfaces further enhanced by blushes of pale pinkish-rose iridescence that are best appreciated at direct lighting angles. Ample luster remains, overall bold definition to the design elements and an uncommonly smooth appearance in hand further enhancing this coin's appeal. Survivors of the 1871-S mintage rarely come this nice, and the present bidding opportunity is unlikely to be repeated anytime soon. Only 25,000 examples were struck, and as with virtually every San Francisco Mint issue of the era, most of the mintage saw heavy commercial duty. VF and the occasional low end EF are the grades most often seen in today's marketplace. Any finer and condition rarity combines with absolute scarcity for the 1871-S half eagle. If you have an interest in the present piece you should bid liberally, as it will most assuredly be some time before a comparable specimen comes up for public auction. PCGS# 8324. NGC ID: 25WE. Click here for certification details from PCGS.