1857-S $5 MS(PCGS#8275)

Winter 2022 U.S. Coins Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

7063

Grade

AU55

Price

4,080

Lot Description

1857-S Liberty Head Half Eagle. Large S. AU-55 (PCGS). CAC. Originally preserved in deep honey and more vivid reddish-rose, this smooth and attractive example has the appearance of near-Mint State quality. Lustrous with a delightful softly frosted texture and a razor sharp strike. 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 Americatreasure. 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. Provenance: From the Fairmont Collection - CBL Set. CAC Population: 14 in all AU grades. PCGS# 8275. NGC ID: 25V6. Click here for certification details from PCGS.