1857-S $5 S.S. Central America #2 (with Pinch) MS65+ PCGS. CAC....

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1857-S Half Eagle, MS65+
Second-Finest Known
Ex: S.S. Central America #2

1857-S $5 S.S. Central America #2 (with Pinch) MS65+ PCGS. CAC. One of the exceptional finds from the 2014 "second" S.S. Central America recoveries was this high-end Gem 1857-S half eagle. While 1857-S double eagles were found in abundance -- some in extremely high grades -- the 1857-S half eagle pickings were sparse. Only 51 pieces were found, many of them in the purser's safe. Among 1857-S half eagles overall regardless of origin, only one finer example exists (an MS66 PCGS coin), with this Central America standout alone in second place by virtue of its PCGS Plus designation and the accompanying CAC endorsement. The sole MS66 1857-S half eagle was also a Central America recovery.

The 2014 S.S. Central America recovery operations yielded 3,136 gold coins, 11,509 silver coins, 11 copper coins, 45 gold bars, gold nuggets by the hundreds, and quantities of gold dust including several unopened "pokes" wrapped in leather, which remained unopened as recovered. The pokes might contain gold dust, or a combination of gold dust and coins. Other jewelry and artifacts were brought up. Advances in equipment and new technologies greatly enhanced the results.

The frosted surfaces of this half eagle display the Mint-fresh Gem quality that would entirely unexpected given the 150+ years spent on the ocean floor, some 7,200 feet from the surface. The coin's needle-sharp strike survives, and Liberty's cheek and neck are pristine. Only a few light marks exist -- remarkably so, given the rigors of the catastrophe and the subsequent recovery involving only remote-controlled mechanical salvage techniques. Wisps of orange and honey-gold patina attend the highly lustrous, wheat-gold surfaces. This remarkable half eagle remains housed in its special PCGS dual window holder that includes a pinch of gold dust. Population: 2 in 65 (1 in 65+), 1 finer (6/24).

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 670803, Base PCGS# 8275)

Weight: 8.36 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

View Certification Details from PCGS