1896-S $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle NGC MS60

Here’s an attractive example of a better date in the extensive $5 Liberty head series.

David Akers writes, “The 1896-S is a very scarce date in all grades and is rare in AU or better condition. Mint state specimens are far more rare then most people realize and choice or gem examples are almost impossible to obtain.… This date, like the other S Mint Half Eagles from 1894-1897, is very underrated.”

Writes NGC Coin Explorer, “the … condition for one of these coins is typically between the XF and AU range. Mint state examples are rare, and those that do exist tend to be in the lower end of the range." NGC has graded 8 as MS60 with 77 finer. Collector's Universe prices this issue at $1,250.00 in MS60.

The Old San Francisco Mint, where this scarce piece was struck in 1896. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.