1864-S $5 XF45 PCGS....

Description

1864-S Half Eagle, XF45
Premier San Francisco Rarity
Only 20 to 30 Examples Known

1864-S $5 XF45 PCGS. In discussions of major rarities within the Liberty half eagle series, the 1864-S is often overlooked, when in fact it is one of the absolute rarest issues overall. It significantly outpaces every Charlotte and Dahlonega date in the series, and is about on par with the equally rare but much more valuable 1854-O and 1856-O double eagles. Mint records report a mintage of 3,888 coins, a small mintage to be sure, but the survival rate is even more surprisingly low. The accepted belief is that only 20 to 30 coins are extant in all grades, an estimate that closely reflects the certified population figures which count just 31 coins at PCGS and NGC combined (11/23). This certified population total likely includes at least a few duplications, as it has increased a half dozen pieces within the last decade while the auction appearance rate of this issue has remained flat or declined; in fact, we have not seen a single example of this rare date in our auctions in nine years.

The Smithsonian contains an additional piece, but the coin grades only Fine 15 (per Garrett and Guth) and is one of the lowest-grade gold pieces in that entire collection. With such a low surviving population, there is little wonder as to why.

This Choice XF coin is one of the finer-known representatives of the date. Small remnants of original luster illuminate warm honey-gold patina on each side, while the design elements retain much of their finer details. An old, faint, V-shaped pinscratch on Liberty's neck and a couple small ticks in the field below the eagle's beak serve as pedigree identifiers. The branch mint gold specialist should not pass this one up. Population: 2 in 45, 7 finer (11/23).
Ex: Houston Signature (Heritage, 12/2014), lot 3781.(Registry values: P9)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25VV, PCGS# 8297, Greysheet# 9042)

Weight: 8.36 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

View Certification Details from PCGS