1870-S $5 Half Eagle NGC AU53. The 1870-S half eagle is overshadowed by the Carson City half eagle of the same year, which was one of the first gold coins produced at that Mint. Yet, it is an issue which is nearly as rare as the 1870-CC half eagle, and unlike that coin, is unknown to exist in Mint State. The finest known are a handful of About Uncirculated pieces, perhaps no more than eight or ten at most. Like many rare coins, especially those that get much harder to find in the higher grades, the population reports in About Uncirculated grades must be heavily influenced by resubmissions, trying to get that only uncirculated grade. Auctions of this coin in higher grades are very scarce, and they are offered with much irregularity elsewhere.

Heavy circulation, along with a small mintage of 17,000 pieces are the main factors for this issue in higher grades. While collectors certainly existed at the time, and a small number could afford to collect gold coins, these collectors usually settled for the Philadelphia issues in Proof, and disregarded all the branch Mint issues. Few people even noticed the mintmarks, which is also obvious my numismatic publications of this time. It was once suggested that the C, for Charlotte, stood for California!

While a number of abrasions are noted on either side, this condition census 1870-S half eagle represents an important opportunity for the devoted specialist. Most details are still visible, and some luster remains visible in the protected areas. Handsome rose-gold color is seen on both sides, a bit more prominent on the obverse. Much detailed suggests a fairly strong strike, and even for the grade the wear is rather minimal. A great coin and an opportunity which does not come along very often. This coin has been certified by NGC in a new holder