1869-S $5 MS(PCGS#8318)

February 2026 Showcase Auction - The James A. Stack, Sr. Collection Part II

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

23020

Grade

XF45

Price

4,080

Lot Description

Impressive quality for the heavily circulated 1869-S half eagle issue. Bathed in warm honey-rose and deep orange-gold colors, both sides retain bold definition to all major design elements. This is a scarce issue in an absolute sense that is rare in grades above basal EF. Only 31,000 pieces were produced (as opposed to a 52,000-coin mintage for the 1868-S), and virtually all 1869-S $5s followed the typical paths to heavy circulation and eventual destruction through melting of other early San Francisco Mint gold coins. Mint State examples are virtually unobtainable with only two examples certified at PCGS (along with three grading events in NGC MS-61 to MS-62). The probable finest known, and likely a Gem Uncirculated coin, has been part of the British Museum Collection since 1987. This handsome Choice EF coin with very scarce CAC approval represents about the finest in quality realistically obtainable for many collectors.