1868 $5 MS(PCGS#8315)

The January 2013 Americana Sale

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

13319

Grade

MS61

Price

11,868

Lot Description

1868 Liberty Half Eagle. MS-61 (NGC). This low mintage issue, which had a scanty original production of just 5,700 pieces, is typically seen in VF to EF grades, and Mint State survivors are exceedingly rare. To date, only<em> three</em>&nbsp;examples have been rated as Uncirculated by NGC and PCGS combined, and none have been certified any finer than MS-62. This piece shows glittering, full mint luster along with prooflike fields, and lovely peach-gold toning with strong undertones of lime-green. Both sides display scattered minor abrasions and wispy hairlines, as expected for the MS-61 designation. All specialists in later 19th-century gold, especially those who focus on Liberty Head half eagles, should be keenly interested when this important condition rarity crosses the auction block. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;