This is an important Mint State example of a scarce and challenging Charlotte Mint issue. The satiny surfaces display even deep gold patina on both sides. The obverse is boldly defined, as is much of the reverse, although the latter side displays the typical areas of softness on the eagle. All known 1859-C half eagles were struck from a poorly prepared and/or improperly handled reverse die, thereby explaining the quality of strike on the eagle. With so few Mint State examples known to the major certification services, this important condition rarity will certainly appeal to advanced Southern gold specialists.Produced to the extent of 31,847 pieces, a respectable total by Charlotte Mint half eagle standards, the 1859-C is nonetheless scarce in all grades. It is actually rarer than the 1857-C and 1858-C in worn condition, both of which have similar original mintages; the 1859-C is particularly underrated in Mint State compared to those two dates. Similar in high grade rarity to the lower mintage 1861-C (6,879 pieces produced), this 1859-C represents a significant find in Mint State for the astute bidder.
