1861 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. MS-66 (PCGS). An exceptional representative of this early Civil War issue offering Condition Census quality. The execution of this piece is simply superb, with an ideally centered strike and sharp definition to all elements. The surfaces are essentially pristine, remaining free from friction across the high points and smooth throughout the fields. A twilight blend of sapphire, violet, and olive-gold paints each side, with the most vibrant color saturating the borders. Soft, satiny luster emphasizes the overall stunning preservation and contributes to the enchanting eye appeal experience in-hand. While the 1861 is one of the most frequently encountered issues of the No Motto type in numismatic circles, premium quality Gems such as that offered here comprise a tiny percentage of the extant population. Struck to a quantity of 2,887,400 coins, the vast majority of survivors remain in grades of AU and lower. Just 5 coins have been certified finer than the present MS-66 example by PCGS, asserting the true rarity of this issue in premium Gem condition.
