1870-S $5 MS(PCGS#8321)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

6310

Grade

F15

Price

2,640

Lot Description

A bright honey-olive example with intermingled orange and pale rose highlights. The remaining detail is quite bold and suggestive of at least a Choice VF grade, although hairlines and a curiously bright texture justify the Fine-15 net grade from PCGS. A mintage of just 17,000 pieces, combined with heavy commercial use beginning in Reconstruction era California, created an absolute and condition rarity in the 1870-S half eagle. Fewer than 100 coins are extant (per <em>PCGS CoinFacts</em>), and these enjoy strong collector demand at all levels of preservation.