1848-C Half Eagle (1848-C $5) NGC AU55. Mint luster glimmers from within the devices of this Southern branch mint 1848-C Half Eagle. There is some surface abrasion and wear on the obverse and a few scratches on the reverse field, in keeping with the grade. The strike is strong on the reverse but shows the usual central weakness for this date and mint on the obverse. The first United States Gold Rush took place in the South in Georgia and North Carolina.

In the early days the gold produced in the region was assayed by private mints such as the Bechtlers and Templeton Reid. However, using private mints lead to inconsistent standards in the assaying and coinage. In order to standardize this coinage and because transportation to Philadelphia was so poor as a result of bandits, unfriendly Indians, and poor roads, a branch mint in Charlotte was opened in 1836.

Only gold coins were made at the Charlotte Mint. It was in operation from 1838 to 1861. However, no coins were made in 1845 because of a fire that burned the building to the ground.

Charlotte gold is highly sought after by collectors and investors as well as those interested in collections with a Civil War connection. The 1848-C had an original mintage of 64,472. In it population report NGC shows 164 certified in all grades.