1848 Half Eagle (1848 $5) NGC XF45 CAC. When it comes to the scarcity of gold coins from the 1840s and 1850s, it is often thought that they could be considered common, and usually they sell for approximately the same prices as those of later issues.

However, we should not forgot that these specific coins, such as the present, lived through many turbulent times, and that especially high-grade examples are relatively scarce. In 1848, a total of 260,775 half eagles were minted. While this is average for the era, it is much lower than the issues that were struck at the Philadelphia Mint during the latter part of the same century.

Despite their scarcity, we are still able to offer this lightly circulated gold coin from the year that the California gold rush commenced at a competitive price. Certified by NGC in a new holder, both sides are fully original, lightly circulated with pleasing coloration.

In the protected fields some remains of luster are still visible, which certainly adds to the freshness of the present coin. Lightly circulated, with a few minor marks, none are severe and the overall eye-appeal is excellent. Fully struck and detailed, this is a coin which should please every conscious buyer of scarce and underrated gold coinage.

In its population report as of March 2011, CAC shows 1 in XF45 with 5 better.