1857-S $5 (1857-S Half Eagle) NGC AU58 CAC. This underrated, Western branch mint 1857-S Half Eagle is tied for third finest at NGC. The coin is well struck with full details seen on the centers of the stars, Libertys hair over the ear, the eagles neck, the area to the lower left of the shield, and the lower part of the eagle. Sufficient separation exists in the strands of Libertys hair and the top line of the coronet to warrant the grade, which is confirmed by CAC indicating that the coin meets stringent standards within the grade and is a premium quality piece. The surfaces are clean, original, and free of individual marks worthy of description. Muted mint luster is seen within the devices on both sides.

When Mint Engraver William Kneass was unable to resume his duties after a debilitating stroke, Christian Gobrecht was asked to do his work, which included making a new half eagle that would be uniform with the eagle. The Liberty Head (No Motto on Reverse) half eagle was minted from 1839 to 1866.

Gobrechts 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 eagle. 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. The mintmark is below the eagle and above the E in FIVE.

The 1857-S half eagle saw extensive use in commerce during the California Gold Rush; consequently, most examples seen today are in well circulated condition. In its population report, NGC shows 20 in AU58 with 6 better. At CAC as of December, 2011, there are 2 in AU58 with none better.