1871-S Liberty Head Half Eagle. EF-45 (PCGS). Vivid deep orange-gold surfaces with an intermingling of pale rose. Both the amount of remaining luster and the overall bold striking detail suggest AU preservation, although accuracy compels us to mention some wispy hairlines that are easily overlooked and just as easily forgiven. Only 25,000 examples were struck, and as with virtually every San Francisco Mint issue of the era, most of the mintage saw heavy commercial duty. VF and the occasional low end EF are the grades most often seen in todays marketplace. Any finer and condition rarity combines with absolute scarcity for the 1871-S half eagle. If you have an interest in the present piece you should bid liberally, as it will most assuredly be some time before a comparable specimen comes up for public auction.
