This page sponsored by: 

Follow any of the active links below.  If you get lost, remember - there's no place like HOME!

Previous Date | Next Date | Liberty Head (No Motto) Half Eagles by Date | Half Eagles by Type

1859 Half Eagle Obverse     1859 Half Eagle Reverse
  


1859 FIVE DOLLARS
OR HALF EAGLE

PCGS Nos: 8280, 8449

Mintage:

Circulation strikes: 16,734
Proofs: 80

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Diameter: ±21.65 millimeters

Metal content:
Gold - 90%
Other - 10%

Weight: 129 grains (8.24 grams)

Edge: Reeded

Mintmark: None (for Philadelphia) above the date

Images courtesy of Heritage Numismatic Auctions

Recent appearances:
PCGS Proof-63.  Ex - Bowers and Merena Galleries, "The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part IV Sale", November 20-21, 2000, Lot 473, illustrated, sold for $40,250.00  From the Bowers and Merena sale of the Norweb Collection, Part I, November 1987, Lot 858; formerly in the Palace Collection of Egypt (Farouk Collection),1954, Lot 254

PCGS MS-62.  Ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s, "Summer 2001 Long Beach Signature Sale", May 31-June 2, 2001, Lot 8980, plated, unsold  Purchased by Harry Bass from Don Devore, August 21, 1968:  Bass II (Bowers and Merena, 10/99), lot 1111 where it sold for $6,037.50

NGC AU-58.  Ex - Bowers & Merena Galleries' "The Rarities Sale", January 3, 2001, Lot 519, illustrated, sold for $1,380.00

Notes:
The finest Uncirculated example graded by PCGS is a single MS-62.

The finest Proof example graded by PCGS is a single PR-63.

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins" by Walter Breen

"The PCGS Population Report, July 2003" by The Professional Coin Grading Service

 

Advertising Info | Contact Info | Tips On Using This Site | Would You Like To Contribute To This Site? | Privacy Policy

© Copyright 1999-2004 CoinFacts.com, Inc. - all rights reserved worldwide.
Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of CoinFacts.com, Inc.'s Terms of Usage and Policies.
Use of any images or content on this website without prior written permission of CoinFacts or the original lender is strictly prohibited!