1865-S $5 VF35 PCGS CAC

This 1865-S Liberty Head Half Eagle represents a desirable and historically important Civil War–era San Francisco issue with a low original mintage of just 27,612 coins and an estimated surviving population of approximately 80 pieces in all grades. Like all early San Francisco Mint half eagles, the date is elusive in all grades due to widespread circulation and heavy attrition, with many surviving examples exhibiting damage or impairment. This Choice VF example is notably smooth for the grade, with strong detail remaining and a bold S mintmark. The surfaces display warm honey-gold coloration enriched by deeper orange-gold saturation. CAC-approved examples are exceptionally difficult, with no CAC auction records. In fact the closest CAC record in the past 2 years was a F15 PCGS CAC for $4,080 11/24 HA. Current references include a PCGS Price Guide value of $7,000 and CAC Price Guide value of $7,250 with a tiny CAC population of just 1 finer and 12 approved finer. With strong originality, attractive color, and superior eye appeal for the grade, this offering stands as a meaningful acquisition for advanced specialists in Western and Civil War gold.