1866-S $5 Motto MS(PCGS#8312)

Spring 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

4548

Grade

AU53

Price

6,300

Lot Description

Attractive surfaces are bathed in a warm blend of honey-gold and pinkish-rose colors. Most design elements are boldly rendered, the S mintmark clear and fully appreciable to the unaided eye. Generally smooth during in hand viewing, although a tiny nick in the left obverse field is noted for accuracy. A mere 34,920 coins were struck for this historic Liberty Head half eagle issue, the first from the West Coast facility with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on a scroll in the upper reverse field. Thanks to the rigors of commercial use, only a tiny number survive today, the experts at <em>PCGS CoinFacts</em> accounting for fewer than 100 survivors in all grades. The present specimen is far finer than the typically encountered VF or EF in numismatic circles, and its offering represents a rare and fleeting bidding opportunity for the astute half eagle collector.