1857-S $5 MS(PCGS#8275)

Spring 2022 U.S. Coins Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

5088

Grade

MS61

Price

11,100

Lot Description

Handsome Mint State 1857-S Half Eagle 1857-S Liberty Head Half Eagle. Large S. MS-61 (PCGS). CAC. Originally preserved in deep honey and more vivid rose-gold, this smooth and attractive example has the appearance of a higher Mint State grade. Lustrous with a delightful softly frosted texture and a razor sharp to full strike. This issue saw extensive commercial use during the California Gold Rush era, and most of the 87,000 pieces produced have long since been lost. Among the few survivors, low grades through VF are the norm. In fact, this issue would be almost unobtainable in AU and Mint State were it not for the fact that a handful of higher grade pieces were discovered as part of the S.S. Central Americatreasure. Despite this find, the 1857-S remains an important rarity in the highest grades. The example offered here possesses superior quality and eye appeal (it is most definitely not a shipwreck find) that are sure to tempt discerning gold enthusiasts. Provenance: From the Fairmont Collection-Hendricks Set. PCGS# 8275. NGC ID: 25V6. Click here for certification details from PCGS.