1866-S Liberty Half Eagle. No Motto. MS-61 (PCGS).；A beautiful coin that ranks as the finest certified survivor of this rare and conditionally challenging issue. Attractive in all regards, both sides exhibit blushes of pale apricot iridescence to otherwise dominant pinkish-orange patina. Light satin luster blankets surfaces that present as uncommonly smooth for the assigned grade. Boldly to sharply struck throughout, as well, this is a truly impressive example that would serve as a focal point in the finest collection of Liberty gold coinage.<p>Simply put, this is a rare and highly significant half eagle. The San Francisco Mint struck only 9,000 examples of the No Motto Liberty type in 1866 before dies for the new Motto design arrived from the parent mint in Philadelphia. With S-mint gold coinage of the era seeing heavy commercial use, the typical survivor is well worn, if not also impaired. In truth survivors of this issue are few and far between, most examples of the issue failing to survive exportation and eventual melting. Particularly elusive in the finest circulated grades such as Choice EF and AU, the 1866-S No Motto was unknown in Mint State until PCGS recent certification of this premium quality MS-61. As one of the most important gold coins of any denomination or type in this sale, we urge interested parties to prepare for stiff competition when bidding opens on this lot.
