1856-D $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle PCGS VF30 (CAC)

A rare piece from the Dahlonega Mint!

Grab this change to get a rare example of the 1856-D $5 Liberty, with its mintage of 19,786. PCGS has graded 6 as VF30 with 126 finer. In CAC, there is 1 in VF30 with 25 finer. Collectors Universe has priced this issue at $3,500.00 in VF30.

Gold specialist Doug Winter writes, "The 1856-D is one of the rarest – and certainly the most underrated – Dahlonega half eagles.... it is many times rarer than dates such as the 1852-D through the 1854-D....The 1856-D half eagle is a scarce date. It is typically seen in Extremely Fine grades. Accurately graded About Uncirculated examples are rare and it becomes very rare in the higher AU grades.... The 1856-D is generally one of the better struck of the late date Dahlonega half eagles."

James B. Longacre, who designed and engraved the popular Liberty head design on U.S. gold coinage. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.