1853-C Liberty Head Half Eagle. Winter-2. Late Die State. EF-45+ (PCGS).This lustrous and frosty Choice EF example is enhanced by richly original color in warm honey-orange. Mentionable softness is confined to the hair curls along Libertys brow and the eagles neck feathers, 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 EF-45+ coin 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.From the Fairmont Collection - CAG Set.