1869-S Liberty Head Half Eagle. AU-50 (PCGS). CAC. A lustrous and vivid AU 1869-S half eagle, an issue that is elusive even in lower circulated grades. The present example saw little commercial use, in fact, and retains not only much of the softly frosted mint finish, but also generally sharp striking detail that comes up short at only at the central high points. This is a scarce issue that becomes rare in grades above EF. Extensive commercial use claimed most of the 31,000 half eagles struck in the San Francisco Mint during 1869, and most of the survivors are well worn if not also impaired. Mint State examples are all but unknown; this AU - rare in its right - represents the finest in quality realistically obtainable for most collectors. PCGS# 8318. NGC ID: 25W8. PCGS Population: 4; 21 finer, two of which are Mint State (MS-62+ finest).<p>CAC Stickered Population: 8 in all AU grades; 1 in all Mint State grades. From the Fairmont Collection - Rhone Set.