1856-C Liberty Head Half Eagle. Winter Variety 1 (24-J), the only known dies. AU-53 (PCGS). CAC.An attractive and original example that sports approval from CAC, confirming premium quality. The pale yellow complexion is accented by rich honey-gold patina shadowing the peripheries. Nicely struck for the issue and overall free of notable blemishes. An underrated issue among Southern gold coins, the 1856-C vies with the 1839-C and 1860-C as the ninth rarest Charlotte Mint half eagle. Examples are rarer than a mintage of 28,457 pieces might imply, there being no more than 250 to 300 survivors in all grades. With most known examples grading VF or EF, this PCGS-certified AU holds particular appeal for the high grade collector.
