1861-C Liberty Head Half Eagle. Winter-1, the only known dies. Die State II. Unc Details--Altered Surfaces (PCGS). Offered is a highly desirable Mint State survivor of a rare and historic Southern gold issue. Sharply to fully struck throughout the design, the detail is far superior to that seen in the typical 1861-C half eagle. Handsome medium gold color blankets surfaces that present remarkably well in light of the PCGS qualifier. The Charlotte Mint half eagle series passed into history in 1861 with a mintage of just 6,879 pieces. Of this total, 887 pieces are believed to have been struck in May of that year under the authority of the Confederate States of America. A middle die state example, the present coin was likely struck while the facility remained under Federal control, although there is no way of knowing for sure. The 1861-C is the eighth rarest of 24 dates in the Charlotte Mint half eagle series, there being only 200 or so coins extant in all grades. This Mint State example is an extraordinary condition rarity, especially since Doug Winter (2008) accounts for only two or three survivors at this level. PCGS# 8289. NGC ID: 25VL. Stacks company envelope included.
