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1839 Half Eagle - 1865 Half Eagle: Set of Two Half Eagles

The numismatic adventure can be enriched by acquiring groups of coins in meaningful combinations. Sets of coins can run from two pieces to many. In the areas of rare date and early silver and gold coins we have established certain sets of special interest. They include the first and last of an issue, type sets, design sets, year sets, and those that are joined by historical events such as the Civil War. The coins of each set are specially selected for you and your collecting needs.

We are specialists in this area and will expertly and confidentially help you assemble a set similar to the one you see below, which is made up of pieces from the US Rare Coin Investments’ archives. We will cherry pick through millions of dollars of rare coins selecting only the finest quality pieces for your collection.

A Set of First and Last Half Eagles, Liberty Head Type 1, 1839 to 1865

In 1839, the half eagle was changed to a design by Christian Gobrecht known as the Liberty Head or Coronet or Braided Hair half type. The first incarnation without a motto is known as the Liberty Head, No Motto variety or Liberty Head Type 1. For the first year, the branch mint coins had the mintmark on the obverse between the truncation and the date. All subsequent issues had the mintmark on the reverse between the eagle and the denomination. The new Liberty Head obverse design lasted for 70 years, bringing stability to the denomination. The reverse design remained mainly unchanged except for the addition of the motto to create Type 2.

Gobrecht’s design shows a left facing profile of Liberty wearing a LIBERTY inscribed coronet. Her hair is tied in the back and there are two loose curls that hang down her neck. Around the head are thirteen six-pointed stars, and the date is below the truncation. At the periphery of the coin are dentils. The coin also has a reeded edge. The reverse shows a heraldic eagle similar to the one on the Classic Head half eagle except that the eagle is smaller and its neck is not bent so aggressively. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the eagle, except for its wing tips, in an arc. The denomination is below, separated with dots, and written as FIVE D.

1839 Half Eagle1839 Half Eagle - The vast majority of 1839 half eagles are well worn. Usually the coin is seen in VF to XF condition. It is scarce in AU and rare in higher Mint State grades.

This 1839 half eagle shows light obverse toning with a mixture of greens, red, and orange flecks. The bottom right field is darker than the top. The reverse continues the same mixture of colors with lighter toning on the upper third. Some mint luster shows at the top of Liberty’s head and at her hair under the coronet.

The reverse shows luster especially on the eagle’s feathers. There are several contact marks on Liberty’s cheek, jaw, and neck as well as the upper right field. The reverse shows some slight die clash marks as well as two scratches, one above the eagle’s right wing and one above the olive branch. There is a small amount of wear on the highest points of the design, which probably accounts for the circulated grade.

Approximate cost: VF $ 575; AU50 $1,350; MS60 $4,750; MS63 $25,000


1865-S Half Eagle1865-S Half Eagle - The last year of issue, 1865, except for the 1866-S No Motto, saw a tiny mintage at Philadelphia of only 1,270 and a higher mintage at San Francisco of 27,612. It is interesting to note that the 1866-S No Motto issue is an anomaly because it was supposed to be replaced by the With Motto issue; however, the dies did not arrive on time and 9,000 were minted in San Francisco. The 1865-S No Motto coin is rare in all conditions. Most seen are in well worn condition. Were it not for coins recovered from the wreck of the SS Brother Jonathan, almost none would be known in Mint State.

The present piece, an 1865-S half eagle, is one of the few uncirculated pieces that are available. Booming luster, so hard to find on this issue, can be seen on both sides. While some marks, consistent with the grades are found on both sides, this is not surprising given the tough time many of these coins had. They were often traded between banks, in loose bags, causing many of these contact marks. Light sun-yellow color is visible on both sides, and the coin is very pleasing in hand.

Approximate cost: VF $3,000; AU50 $7,500; MS60 $16,500; MS63 $34,380


Interested in working with us in purchasing a set like this? CONTACT US HERE !




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