1849 $5.00 PCGS MS62

Normal Date variety. At first glimpse, this impressive ultra-flashy coin has the appearance of a borderline gem but as it is tilted towards the light, some friction can be seen in the left obverse field. The high spots are free of wear and the surfaces are free of deep, problematic abrasions. A light yellow-gold hue adds appeal and the strike is razor sharp. The 1849 half eagle is common in all circulated grades and only moderately scarce in MS60 to MS61. But it is rare in MS62, very rare in MS63 and there is just a single piece that I have ever seen in MS64: Heritage 7/09: 1509 which sold for $16,100. PCGS has only graded three in MS62 with none better. There have been just eight auction records for 1849 half eagles in this grade since 1991 and a PCGS MS62 brought $4,830 all the way back in 1999 at the Bass II sale.