1853-C Liberty Head Half Eagle. Winter-2. Late Die State. AU-55 (PCGS). CAC. This lustrous and frosty Choice AU example is enhanced by richly original color in warm honey-olive. Mentionable softness is confined to the hair curls along Libertys brow, the balance of the features boldly to sharply rendered. A heavily circulated issue, the 1853-C half eagle is much scarcer than a mintage of 65,571 pieces might imply. With the typical survivor well worn and often impaired, this original Choice AU example represents an important bidding opportunity for the collector assembling an advanced Southern gold collection.<p>Of the three die pairings known for this issue, Winter-1 accounts for the majority of coins in numismatics hands. Winter-2 is described by the author as "very rare." The late die state was discovered in a September 2008 Heritage auction and features a prominent retained cud break at the lower reverse border that engages the letters E and D in the denomination. This presence of this feature adds to the desirability of the Fairmont Collection specimen offered here. PCGS# 8254. NGC ID: 25UE. PCGS Population: 24; 30 finer, 17 of which are Mint State (MS-64 finest).<p>CAC Population: 11 in all AU grades, the finest of which are certified AU-55. From the Fairmont Collection - JBR Set.
