1857-S $5 MS(PCGS#8275)

August 2023 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

6584

Grade

MS60

Price

6,300

Lot Description

1857-S Liberty Head Half Eagle. MS-60 (NGC). Originally preserved in deep honey-gold, this smooth and attractive example has the appearance of a higher Mint State grade. Fully lustrous with a delightful softly frosted texture and a razor sharp to full strike overall. Just a couple of small abrasions are reported on the obverse. This issue saw extensive commercial use during the California Gold Rush era, and most of the 87,000 pieces produced have long since been lost. Among the few survivors, low grades through VF are the norm. In fact, this issue would be almost unobtainable in AU and Mint State were it not for the fact that a handful of higher grade pieces were discovered as part of the S.S. Central America treasure. Despite this find, the 1857-S remains an important rarity in the highest grades. The example offered here possesses superior quality and eye appeal (it is most definitely not a shipwreck find) that are sure to tempt discerning gold enthusiasts. NGC Census: 4; 6 finer (all are MS-61). PCGS# 8275. NGC ID: 25V6. Click here for certification details from NGC.