1874-S Liberty Head Half Eagle. AU-58 (PCGS). OGH.，As one of the finest survivors of an elusive and conditionally challenging issue, the significance of this 1874-S half eagle can hardly be overstated. Bold reddish-orange patina blankets surfaces that retain appreciable satiny mint luster in the protected areas around the devices. The strike is full over virtually all design elements, and the attractive appearance enhances this coins appeal.<p>As with its identically dated Carson City Mint counterpart, the 1874-S half eagle saw heavy use in local commerce which claimed the vast majority of the 16,000 coins struck. Unlike with many later date San Francisco Mint fives, this issue was not used in export trade, removing a potential source of high grade coins through repatriations from foreign bank hoards. Most survivors are well worn in grades such as VF or EF, and even such pieces are scarce. The 1874-S is rare in About Uncirculated preservation, and the typical survivor at that level grades AU-50 or AU-53 with heavily abraded surfaces and limited eye appeal. This issue is unknown in Mint State. The present Choice AU rarity is likely to find a home in the finest gold cabinet.<p>，From the A.J. Vanderbilt Collection. Acquired from Winthrop Coin Co., New York, New York, August 1994; via Stacks.，
