1871 50C MS(PCGS#6330)

June 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2143

Grade

MS63

Price

1,620

Lot Description

Rich sandy-gold and olive-gray patina with underlying iridescence in salmon pink and orange-apricot, this is an undeniably original example with strong eye appeal. The strike is sharp, and the surfaces boast pleasing mint luster in a softly frosted texture. Circulation strike half dollar production at the Philadelphia Mint surpassed one million coins in 1871 for the first time since the beginning of the Civil War. Even so, this Reconstruction era issue is scarce in the finer circulated grades and even more so in Mint State. Underrated compared to many later dates in the Liberty Seated series.