1864 $5 MS(PCGS#8296)

1864 $5 MS (PCGS#8296)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Lot Description: One of several key date Liberty Head half eagles from the Civil War era, the offering of any circulation strike 1864 represents a significant bidding opportunity for gold specialists. The Choice About Uncirculated example offered here features bright rose-gold color with deeper orange undertones. Much of the original finish remains despite the presence of light wear and wispy handling marks, and the devices are sharply defined throughout from a well executed strike.<p>As the slightly higher mintage might suggest, the 1864 is not quite as rare as the 1863. Yet with just 4,170 circulation strikes produced, the absolute rarity of this issue is beyond doubt. All Philadelphia Mint half eagles of the 1862 to 1865 era are low mintage rarities, as there was little bullion available for coinage once Eastern banks suspended gold specie payments in late 1861. What's more, many of the Philadelphia Mint gold coins that were struck during that era were subsequently melted, leaving few survivors. The extant population for the 1864 half eagle is estimated at just 60 to 75 coins (per <em>PCGS CoinFacts</em>). Only six Mint State grading events are listed at PCGS and NGC combined. Astute bidders take note - it may be years before a higher graded circulation strike 1864 half eagle becomes available for acquisition.