2003, Orlando, FL. (FUN) Signature Sale #308 - Sessions 5 and 6

1840 $5 Narrow Mill MS63 PCGS. The stars and peripheral legends are bold, as are the eagle's wings, legs and talons. Only a suggestion of softne...

1844-D $5 AU55 NGC. Winter 9-G. The 1844-D is one of the more available Dahlonega Half Eagles from the 1840s. It is easy enough to obtain in lower gra

1846-D $5 VF20 Polished Uncertified. Deeply set olive-gold color enhances the overall eye appeal while a glossy texture from the polishing is a detrac

1847/7 $5 AU58 ICG. Breen-6570. Although lightly circulated, this coin is free of more than a few wispy abrasions with sharp definition throughout. Th

1850 $5 AU55 PCGS. Brilliant with a rich and glossy old-world gold coloration. Nice strike definition with a little bit of haze in the upper-left obve

1851-O $5 AU50 PCGS. A second AU50 example of this O-mint Half Eagle (the other being in the Ashland City Collection). Softly struck in the centers, t

1851-O $5 AU53 PCGS. While a bit softly struck in the centers, a substantial amount of luster remains on both sides that provide considerable "...

1853-D $5 AU58 NGC. Surely to be of interest to a wide range of bidders including those who collect by date and mintmark as well as those who collect

1854 $5 AU50 NGC. Both sides are draped in rich orange and lilac patina. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at the rate of 200-250 per

1854 $5 MS62 NGC. From an original mintage of 160,675 pieces comes this underappreciated Half Eagle rarity. More difficult to locate than the 1843, 18

1854-C $5 Weak C XF45 NGC. A relatively unsung Charlotte rarity in the Liberty Half Eagle series, one of perhaps fewer than 100 pieces known from a re

1854-D $5 AU58 NGC. Winter 25-T. This branch mint gold issue was produced to the extent of only 56,143 coins. High grade survivors, however, are among

1854-O $5 VF30 ANACS. A well balanced example, green-gold in color with pleasing reddish accents. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at

1855 $5 AU58 NGC. Some luster remains in the protected areas and the surfaces are olive-green. Liberty has a pinscratch on her cheek. Important notice

1855-D $5 XF40 ANACS. With a mintage of only 22,432, this coin is both scarce and undervalued. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at th

1855-S $5 AU55 PCGS. This coin was previously offered as lot 2259 in our September 2002 Long Beach Bullet Auction, where it was described as: "...

1856 $5 AU53 PCGS. Lightly circulated example with no distractions. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at the rate of 200-250 per hour.

1856-S $5 AU55 NGC. A richly detailed example that has ample traces of luster and no untoward abrasions. Elusive in better AU grades, as are most No M

1856-S $5 AU55 PCGS. This medium intensity, yellow-gold example displays a typical number of abrasions for a circulated Half Eagle from the early year

1861 $5 MS63 PCGS. Medium intensity reddish-gold color envelops sharply defined features that are devoid of bothersome striking incompleteness. The lu

1861 $5 MS64 NGC. One of several Choice 1861 Fives in this sale, this coin exhibits attractive, evenly distributed, golden-rose coloration. The strike

1861 $5 MS64 PCGS. Produced in sizeable numbers (688,150 pieces) for the era, the 1861 is an understandably popular coin among type collectors who des

1861-C $5 AU53 PCGS. Winter 30-K. Die State II. The reverse crack can be seen at the rim over the first A in AMERICA and it joins the left serif of th

1865-S $5 VF20 PCGS. Heavily yet evenly worn, the smooth and problem free surfaces have acquired a cool pink patina over time. Important notice: We ex

1866 $5 XF40 PCGS. Lightly worn but still very brilliant, with surface marks consistent with the grade. From an original mintage of only 6,700 coins.

1868-S $5 AU50 PCGS. The 1868-S is an absolute as well as a condition rarity among With Motto Fives. When Akers compiled his auction data 20 years or

1870-CC $5 AU58 PCGS. Winter 1-A. Die State II. An original coin that shows the usual softness of strike known on this die state; that is, weakness on

1871 $5 AU50 PCGS. The 1871 is a very rare Coronet Half Eagle with a mintage of only 3,230 business strikes, most of which grade only VF or XF. Said b

1871-CC $5 AU53 NGC. Winter 1-A. Easily characterized as a 1-A by the presence of a raised die mark under the S in STATES, this is a later die state w

1872-CC $5 AU58 NGC. Somewhat better struck than usual for this issue with the normally found weakness in the centers, but well defined on the periphe

1873 $5 Open 3 AU58 NGC. Sharply struck and lustrous, this is a nice example of this date. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at the ra

1873-CC $5 MS62 PCGS. Ex: Bass. A magnificent coin with full, frosty luster below medium orange-gold and yellow-gold color. There are a few light mark

1874 $5 MS62 NGC. Previously offered as lot 2269 in our recent Long Beach Bullet Sale, where it was described as, "Half Eagle production at the...

1874-CC $5 AU53 NGC. Winter 1-C. This variety is characterized by the four raised die scratches above the eagle's left (facing) wing. This appea...

1874-CC $5 AU53 PCGS. Winter 2-D. This variety is characterized by the reuse of the 1872-CC Reverse B but with two clashmarks from the eagle's b...

1874-S $5 AU50 PCGS. Only 26 1874-S Liberty Half Eagles have been certified at the AU level by NGC and PCGS (10/02), and there are no Mint State examp

1875-CC $5 AU55 NGC. Winter 1-B. Formerly sold as lot 8108 in our 1999 FUN Sale, where it was described as, "An issue rarity as well as a condi...

1876-CC $5 AU55 PCGS. Winter 1-A. While not quite of the same quality as the Ashland City coin (offered as an adjunct to this sale), this is a very pl

1877 $5 AU53 PCGS. Remnants of a prooflike finish are noted at select angles, but the outward appearance is one of rich copper-gold color. The overall

1877 $5 AU58 PCGS. With only 1,132 business strikes produced, the 1877 has the second lowest mintage of all P-mint Half Eagles, second only to the 187

1877-CC $5 AU55 NGC. Winter 1-B. The 1-B variety is most easily distinguished by the second C in the mintmark being level with the first. Sharply defi

1878 $5 MS61 NGC. Shimmering bright luster adds to the attraction of this sharply struck and moderately abraded specimen. A scarce issue in Uncirculat

1878-CC $5 VF30 PCGS. Winter 1-A. The extreme rarity of this issue in high grades is reinforced by the fact that although we have three pieces in this

1879-CC $5 AU58 PCGS. Winter 2-A. This variety is immediately identifiable by the die scratch through the bottom right of the E in LIBERTY. Even thoug

1879-S $5 MS63 PCGS. This coin was previously offered as lot 8195 in our September 2002 Long Beach Signature Sale, where it was described as: "...

1880-CC $5 MS62 NGC. Winter 1-A. Like the 1-A coin in the Ashland City Collection, this piece also shows the distinctive series of raised mint-made di

1881 $5 MS64 NGC. Remnants of a prior logotype are obvious within the loops of the 88 in the date. One of several interesting repunched date varieties

1881/0 $5 MS60 NGC. FS-005. The 1881 overdate Half Eagle is one of those rare discoveries that has remained rare decades after the first few pieces we

1881-CC $5 AU55 NGC. Winter 1-A. A choice example of this very scarce, low mintage issue. While not quite as nice as the AU58 in the Ashland City Coll

1881-S $5 MS65 NGC. The 1881-S is another of the conditionally scarce issues from the 1880s that is seen in Half Eagles, Eagles, and Double Eagles. In

1882 $5 MS64 NGC. A lustrous near-Gem with bright lemon-gold color and a sharp strike. A few trivial contact marks are not individually distracting. T

1882 $5 MS64 NGC. This specimen displays pleasingly sharp strike and attractive satiny frost for this 1880's issue. Population: 164 in 64, 13 fi...

1882-CC $5 AU55 NGC. Scarce issue that has been slightly circulated. Fields have toned to olive-gold. A few hairlines at the point of Liberty's ...

1882-CC $5 MS61 NGC. Winter 1-A. The 1882-CC is widely regarded as the most obtainable Carson City Half Eagle struck prior to 1890 and is just nudged

1883 $5 MS63 PCGS. Deep orange-gold color with plenty of luster and reflective fields. Only minute abrasions are scattered over both sides. Important

1883 $5 MS64 NGC. In terms of total number of coins known, the 1883 falls into the middle of the rarity scale among Motto Liberty Fives. The certified

1883-CC $5 AU50 PCGS. Winter 1-A. It is estimated that somewhere between 23-28 pieces are extant today in the various AU grades of the 1883-CC Five. T

1883-CC $5 AU55 PCGS. Winter 1-A. At the AU55 level, this coin is just outside the Condition Census with several pieces tied at the bottom of the C.C.

1883-CC $5 MS61 PCGS. Well struck and lustrous with rich orange-gold color. There are some noticeable abrasions including a few in the left obverse fi

1884-CC $5 AU55 PCGS. Winter 1-A, the only known dies. A very appealing example of the issue, both sides are awash in rich reddish-gold coloration. Th

1884-CC $5 AU58 NGC. Winter 1-A. A third example of this popular Carson City Half Eagle. The 1884-CC is the second scarcest CC-mint Half Eagle struck

1884-S $5 MS64 NGC. A notable condition rarity in the Liberty Half Eagle series, only 12 pieces have been certified by NGC and PCGS in MS64 with none

1887-S $5 MS64 NGC. A well struck near-Gem that has pleasing luster and carefully preserved surfaces. The second 8 in the date has its midsection book

1888-S $5 MS60 NGC. A couple of the stars lack complete centril definition, but the major devices are well struck. The fields have a greenish tint, al

1890-CC $5 MS61 NGC. Winter 1-A. Some 400-500 pieces are believed extant today in all grades with an estimated 110-135 examples believed known in Mint

1890-CC $5 MS62 PCGS. The luster is bright and extensive, and the strike is bold aside from minor weakness in the centers. A minor reeding mark above

1891-CC $5--Cleaned--ANACS. Unc Details, Net AU55. A well struck example that has extensive bright luster and relatively unabraded fields. The eagle...

1891-CC $5 MS64 NGC. Winter 1-A. The 1891-CC is the most common Carson City mint Half Eagle. It is estimated that perhaps 1250-1500 pieces are extant

1891-CC $5 MS64 NGC. Winter 1-A. A second near-Gem example of this popular Carson City issue. This piece has a very different appearance, though, with

1892-CC $5 MS63 NGC. Winter 1-A. Die State II. This particular die state is characterized by the bottom of the scroll below WE being partially polishe

1892-S $5 AU55 ANACS, well struck and problem-free with bright peripheral luster and a filled mintmark, as made; and an 1897-S AU55 ANACS, another bri

1893-CC $5 MS62 PCGS. Winter 1-A. This variety is characterized by the first C positioned lower than the second one, and this is a later die state wit

1893-CC $5 MS63 NGC. Winter 1-A. This is an earlier die state as evidenced by doubling on the second C in the mintmark. This splendid piece has bright

1893-S $5 MS63 NGC. An impressive Half Eagle that has full cartwheel luster and refreshingly undisturbed fields. Boldly struck and attractive, and a s

1894 $5 MS65 NGC. Fully struck throughout with thick mint frost over each side, the surfaces are obviously original and problem-free with only the sli

1895 $5 MS62 NGC. Much luster remains on this yellow-gold and olive-gold specimen. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at the rate of 20

1895 $5 MS64 NGC. A lustrous near-Gem that has pale orange-gold color. Relatively clean, and without any obvious bagmarks. A well struck Half Eagle th

1897-S $5 AU58 NGC. Olive-gold toning except on the peripheries where hints of red peek from behind the protected areas. A minimum of abrasions, with

1898 $5 MS63 NGC. Lustrous, yellow-gold example with the usual abrasions. There is a tiny mark on Liberty's cheek. Important notice: We expect t...

1898-S $5 MS64 NGC. A conditionally challenging Half Eagle that represents good value at this grade level. According to NGC's Census Report, the...

1899 $5 MS64 NGC. Lustrous orange-gold near-Gem that displays relatively clean surfaces. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at the rate

1900 $5 Half Eagle--Cleaned--ANACS, Unc Details, Net AU55, faint hairlines that resulted from the light cleaning are visible; 1878 Eagle ANACS AU50, m

1900 $5 MS63 PCGS. Sharply struck throughout, both sides are fully original with a typical abrasion count for the Select BU level. The luster is attra

1900-S $5 MS63 PCGS. 1900-S $5 MS63 PCGS. A lustrous and well struck piece that has semi-prooflike fields. The devices are well preserved, and the fie

1900-S $5 MS63 PCGS. Bright lemon-gold color and potent cartwheel luster adds to eye appeal of this lightly abraded example. Less than a third of a mi

1901/0-S $5 MS64 NGC. FS-6. The remnant of the curve of a 0 is noted near the upper right of the final 1 in the date. A well struck and highly lustrou

1901-S $5 MS65 PCGS. An exceptionally attractive example of this popular and relatively available post-1900 Half Eagle. Fully struck throughout, the s

1901-S $5 MS65 NGC. This reddish-gold Gem displays shimmering, satiny surfaces that are devoid of singularly mentionable bagmarks. The eye appeal is s

1901-S $5 MS66 NGC. An extraordinary type candidate, both sides exhibit pinpoint striking definition over all elements of the design. Medium intensity

1902 $5 MS64 PCGS. Frosty and sharp but showing scattered specks of copper toning. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at the rate of 20

1902-S $5 MS64 PCGS. A flashy near-Gem that has lovely blushes of peach patina. The surfaces are impressively free from blemishes. The major devices h

1902-S $5 MS65 NGC. Resplendent mint luster blankets both sides with a swirling cartwheel sheen. The color is actually more intricate than it might in

1902-S $5 MS65 NGC. This coin was previously offered as lot 2345 in our September 2002 Long Beach Bullet Auction, where it was cataloged as: "A...

1903-S $5 MS65 NGC. A conditionally scarce offering, the surfaces combine full mint luster and sharp striking definition. Cartwheel visual effects swi

1903-S $5 MS66 PCGS. Although the 1903-S is not a better date among Liberty Half Eagles, the vast majority of survivors are bagmarked due to decades o

1904 $5 MS63 PCGS. Well struck throughout, with good preservation, the surfaces are highly lustrous, with a tremendous amount of satiny sheen, and onl

1905 $5 MS64 PCGS. Creamy luster bathes the surfaces of this near-Gem specimen. A slightly better date in this grade. Important notice: We expect to b

1905-S $5 MS62 NGC. A nicely struck representative that has undiminished luster and attractive surfaces. A surprisingly scarce issue in Uncirculated g

1906-D $5 MS63 NGC. An immensely popular issue due to its status as the first U.S. Half Eagle struck in the Denver Mint, the present survivor exhibits

1906-D $5 MS64 NGC. One of only 2 dates of Coronet Head, Denver Mint Half Eagles. This specimen displays uniform satiny frost and very attractive surf