10357

1856-C $5 MS63 PCGS. Variety 24-J. The 1856-C is

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:37,501.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1856-C $5 MS63 PCGS. Variety 24-J. The 1856-C is
<B>1856-C<$5> MS63 PCGS.</B></I> Variety 24-J. The 1856-C is a curious issue that has traditionally been regarded as a fairly common date by collectors. Perhaps this perception has more to do with the relative rarity of Charlotte gold when compared from one issue to another rather than its absolute scarcity, which in this case is limited to some 90-100 pieces in all grades. The most recent estimate of the number of Mint State pieces in Doug Winter's <I>Gold Coins of the Charlotte Mint, 1838-1861,</B></I> states that only three pieces are believed known of the 1856-C in Uncirculated condition, the finest an MS61 in the Paul Dingler Collection. That estimate may be a bit low today, but probably no more than 6-7 examples actually grade MS60 or better. Resubmissions definitely factor into this coin's population numbers, as demonstrated by this very coin. According to the PCGS and NGC population data, two pieces have been certified in MS63. However, accompanying this PCGS coin is the NGC insert that also confirms the grade as MS63. This coin itself makes all the population data for this issue suspect, as it shows that 15 pieces have been certified by both of the major services in mint condition!<BR> This piece is unknown to us, and is clearly the finest known 1856-C half eagle. The striking details are atypically strong for the issue and the surfaces display the usual soft, satin-like mint luster. Lightly abraded, as one would expect for a coin in this grade, the surfaces lack the numerous deep abrasions usually found on these coins. Medium orange-gold coloration.