1864-S Liberty Head Half Eagle. AU-58 (PCGS). CAC. Here is a remarkable rarity from the San Francisco Mint. Featuring a bold blend of olive-orange color and softly frosted luster, the surfaces are attractively original in preservation. There are no troublesome marks, and the strike is pleasingly sharp even with characteristic softness to the top of Libertys portrait and the bottom of the eagle. Virtually unimprovable for the issue, and sure to sell for a strong premium to an advanced Liberty Head or Civil War enthusiast.<p>The year 1864 is a magic one within many U.S. coinage series. Not only is it the final full year of conflict in the Civil War, but it also saw the creation of many low mintage issues that now rank among the key dates for their types. The 1864-S half eagle is no exception; the mintage was a paltry 3,888 pieces and survivors number only 30 to 35 coins after the rigors of commercial use took their customary toll. The finest -- and only -- Mint State survivor is the extraordinary Harry W. Bass, Jr. specimen, now certified MS-65+ by PCGS. The survival of that example is one of the great anomalies of American numismatics. Ranking behind it as CC#2 for the issue is the Fairmont-Hendricks specimen offered here, the only AU-58 certified by PCGS and approved by CAC. Destined for inclusion in one of the finest collections, in which it will serve as a highlight for years to come. From the Fairmont Collection-Hendricks Set.
