1851-C Liberty Half Eagle. AU-55 (PCGS). CAC.；On this high-grade 1851-C half eagle satiny golden-orange surfaces display tinges of pale rose iridescence around the peripheries. Sharply defined in all but a few isolated areas, this is a superior 1851-C half eagle in terms of both technical quality and eye appeal. Despite the popularity of the various Southern gold series among advanced collectors, the 1851-C half eagle remains an underrated condition rarity. With 49,176 coins struck the 1851-C has a relatively generous mintage by C-Mint half eagle standards. Additionally, the 1851-C is part of a run of issues from the 1849-C to 1853-C that includes some of the more readily obtainable Charlotte Mint fives. The 1851-C is not part of that group, however, and is actually the fifth rarest of 24 issues in this series in AU and Mint State grades. As the PCGS population data cited below makes clear, this is a rare coin whose appearance in this sale represents an important bidding opportunity for the astute collector.；From our (Stacks) sale of March 1979, lot 1578. Lot tag included.
