1853-C $5 MS(PCGS#8254)

The March 2010 Baltimore Auction

Auctioneer

Bowers & Merena

Lot Number

3767

Grade

MS63

Price

18,400

Lot Description

1853-C Liberty Half Eagle. Winter Variety 1 (20-H). Die State III. MS-63 (NGC). An interesting die marriage of the 1853-C Half Eagle, Winter Variety 1 in this intermediate state reveals two pronounced rim cuds (as struck) on the obverse at 11 o'clock and 2 o'clock. This issue as a whole usually comes with an above-average strike by C-mint standards, and the present example does not disappoint in this regard. We actually note overall sharp definition to both sides, only the central highpoints of Liberty's portrait and the reverse eagle coming up a bit short in this category. Satin-to-semi-prooflike in sheen, with warm yellow-gold color and no significant abrasions at the assigned grade level.<br />     The 1853-C ranks 18th in overall and 19th in high-grade rarity among the 24 issues in the Charlotte Mint Five-Dollar gold series. In AU and Mint State, it is more challenging to collect than the 1849-C, 1850-C, 1852-C, 1857-C and 1858-C. As a solidly graded Choice Unc, the coin we offer here qualifies as Condition Census.