1861-S Liberty Head Half Eagle. EF-45 (PCGS). CAC. Richly original deep honey-olive and more vivid reddish-rose colors deliver exceptional eye appeal on this lightly circulated S-Mint gold coin from the Civil War era. Flickers of luster persist in the more protected areas, and ample detail suggests a sharply executed strike. A challenging early date San Francisco Mint half eagle -- as are all -- the 1861-S was produced to the extent of just 18,000 pieces with only about 60 coins thought to remain today. Gold specialist David W. Akers called the issue "grossly underrated and underpriced for its rarity." With essentially no contemporary numismatic interest in these coins at the time of issue, coupled with strong demand for them in commerce, the vast majority succumbed to the rigors of circulation. Survivors are rare in all grades and seldom offered above VF condition; the issue is unknown in Mint State. The present piece represents an important find and collectors of both Liberty Head gold and Civil War-era coinage are sure to take note. From the Fairmont Collection-Hendricks Set.
