1859-C Liberty Head Half Eagle. Winter-1, the only known dies. Die State I. AU-53 (PCGS).

A handsome and originally preserved half eagle with subtle pinkish-rose highlights on dominant deep honey-gold color. As a Die State I example, the strike is superior for the issue with a nearly full obverse and only minimal evidence of rust interfering with the detail on the reverse. On the other hand, portions of the eagle are soft, and expectably so for an 1859-C $5. Writing in the 2008 edition of his reference on Charlotte Mint gold coinage, Doug Winter suggests that the reverse die for this issue may have received only one (as opposed to two) impressions from the hub, leaving the detail incomplete. Solidly in the AU category, both sides retain much of the mint luster, which is typically granular in texture. There are no marks of consequence, and the in hand appearance is impressively smooth. From a mintage of 31,847 half eagles produced in Charlotte in 1859, most survivors grade no finer than EF-45, confirming the desirability of this bold About Uncirculated example.

PCGS# 8281. NGC ID: 25VC.

PCGS Population: 18; 38 finer (single MS-66 finest).

From the Fairmont Collection - Mont Blanc Set.

Estimate: $3500