1867-S Liberty Head Half Eagle. AU-55+ (PCGS). CAC. Vivid reddish-gold overtones enliven a base of deep olive-honey color. This is a beautiful, fully original 1860s San Francisco Mint half eagle, one that is enhanced by virtually full, lively frosty luster. Well struck with most features sharp.<p>The 1867-S half eagle tells a familiar story for an early date gold issue from the San Francisco Mint: few coins were struck (in this case, just 29,000 pieces), virtually all of which succumbed to heavy commercial use. In a comment that could be applied to so many early S-Mint gold coins, Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth (2008) describe the 1867-S half eagle as "one of the most underrated [issues] in the entire Liberty Head series." A quick perusal of our auction archives will confirm three things concerning this issue:<p>-This is only our third offering for the 1867-S half eagle in eight years.<p>-Our offerings for this issue have been few over the last 20 years.<p>-The vast majority of survivors grade VF or EF, often with significant impairments.<p>Indeed, of the 100 or so coins extant, few are About Uncirculated. Premium quality Choice AU examples such as this are particularly rare, and they are also significant given that the 1867-S half eagle is represented by only a single Mint State coin at PCGS. (NGC also reports a lone grading event in MS-61, which is likely an earlier submission of that same coin.) Uniquely ranked as CC#3, the beautiful Fairmont-Hendricks coin offered here is making its first appearance in the modern numismatic market. It is a landmark condition rarity that would serve as a highlight in even the finest gold cabinet. From the Fairmont Collection-Hendricks Set.
