1864 $5 VG08 PCGS CAC

Incredibly rare 1864 Liberty Head Half Eagle hails from a tiny mintage of just 4,170 circulation strikes of which an estimated 65 examples are believed to exist today in all grades. 1864 $5 represents one of the most elusive Philadelphia Mint issues of the Civil War era. Production of gold coinage during this period dwindled sharply as bullion disappeared from commerce following the suspension of specie payments in late 1861, and many coins struck during these years were later melted, further reducing availability. The offering of any certified circulation strike 1864 half eagle marks a noteworthy opportunity, particularly given the absence of auction records in lower circulated grades, much less a CAC example which is 13 in all grades. Whilst no CAC auction record exists in any grades in the past 4 years, a non-CAC VF30 realized $12,600 11/24 HA. This visually appealing example exhibits warm, fully original even medium yellow-gold surface. This coin embodies the unmistakable visual profile of authentic Civil War-era gold and is an important acquisition for advanced U.S. gold specialists. Next grade for a CAC is 1- XF45 which will cost over double if ever available. This is not only a CAC but also the most affordable PCGS example whether CAC or not today.