1865-S Liberty Head Half Eagle. VF-35 (PCGS). This attractive honey-orange example is further enhanced by wisps of pinkish-rose iridescence around the peripheries. The S mintmark is full and sharp, and all other major design elements are suitably bold for the assigned grade. As with all early San Francisco Mint half eagles, the 1865-S is scarce to rare in all grades. Most of the 27,612 coins struck were lost to heavy commercial use, survivors scarce to rare at all levels of preservation. With many circulated examples in numismatic circles also impaired, this visually appealing Choice VF represents a significant find for the astute gold enthusiast.
