1864-S $5 XF45 NGC....

Description

1864-S Liberty Half Eagle, XF45
Quietly Rare, Always Challenging To Find

1864-S $5 XF45 NGC. Ex: Richmond Collection. This notably rare half eagle is well-recognized by advanced collectors, but the issue is sometimes overlooked by those not fully aware of its place among Liberty fives. Quietly rare, it is surpassed in scarcity only by the 1842 Large Letters, 1843-O Small Letters, 1875 (just 200 minted), and the legendary 1854-S. That makes the issue rarer than all the charismatic C and D-mint Half Eagles as well (when popularity is put aside). With a tiny mintage of just 3,888 pieces, it is rare in an absolute sense although the mintage, small as it is, masks its true challenge. An estimated survival of fewer than 30 examples in all grades makes it more difficult to obtain than the 1865 issue, for example, which has a smaller mintage of just 1,270 pieces but a larger number of survivors.

This XF45 example came out of the 2004 Richmond Collection and was previously owned by James A. Stack, Sr. The coin displays a delightful, orange-gold color with lilac overtones. A few small abrasions are scattered on the coin, but nothing substantial or unexpected for the grade. Strong details remain on the devices, which protect a large amount of remaining mint luster, surprising for this Choice XF grade. Even advanced collections may not have an example of the 1864-S five so nice, or with such an impressive pedigree. Census: 2 in 45, 3 finer (2/14).
From the Collection of Donald E. Bently, sold for the benefit of the Bently Foundation.(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.

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