1851 $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle PCGS VF35

Here’s a better priced specimen to add to your collection. David Akers writes, “The 1851 is more rare than one would naturally expect from the fairly high mintage figure [377,505]. While not as rare as the 1849 or 1850, it is comparable to the 1848 and more rare than the Philadelphia issues from 1843 to 1847. The date on this … 1851 Half Eagles is huge, taking up the entire space between the bust and the rim. Many specimens have an attractive greenish-gold color as do other gold denominations of this date. Despite its current "common date" status, the 1851 is very difficult to obtain in strictly uncirculated condition.”

PCGS has graded 20 as VF35 with 340 finer. Collectors Universe gives this issue a price of $790.00 in VF35.

The Second Philadelphia Mint, where this piece was struck in 1851. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.