1861-S Liberty Head Half Eagle. EF Details--Filed Rims (PCGS). Warm, even honey-gold color greets the viewer from both sides of this boldly defined EF example. A challenging early San Francisco Mint half eagle, the 1861-S was produced to the extent of just 18,000 pieces and fewer than 100 coins are thought to remain today. Gold specialist David 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 commercial channels, the vast majority of examples succumbed to the rigors of circulation. Survivors are rare in all grades, the present piece representing a particularly important find for budget minded gold enthusiasts.
