1827 $5.00 PCGS MS62 CAC

Due to extensive meltings beginning in 1834, the half eagles from the 1820's and early 1830's include a number of great rarities. One is these is certainly the 1827, an issue for which only 30 or so are known to exist. As with most of the half eagles of this era, the 1827 did not circulate and the few that survive tend to be in relatively high grades. There are a handful of Gem 1827 half eagles known including an NGC MS66 that sold for $322,000 in the Stack's January 2008 auction.

This example is fresh to the market and it has a superb appearance for the grade. The surfaces are very clean with lovely satiny luster below rich green-gold color which is totally "right" for this date. There is a small semi-circular line in the planchet located on the top of Liberty's cheek that is mint-made and serves as ready identification; a small reverse toning spot at the D in the valuation also assists in identifying this gorgeous coin.

The last 1827 half eagle in MS62 to trade at auction was Stack's 6/08: 2088 (encapsulated by NGC) that brought $74,750. There have been 11 auction appearances in total for the 1827 half eagle since 2000, and no PCGS MS62 examples have ever sold at auction.

An excellent coin to compare this to is the 1832 13 Stars half eagle that was just sold by Stack's Bowers in the 2011 ANA auction as Lot 7674. As with the present coin, that 1832 half eagle was graded MS62 and had CAC approval. But I think this 1827 is a nicer looking coin from a visual standpoint, and it is clearly a rarer date. The 1832 brought $86,250 and it sold to a savvy wholesale dealer.

Coins like this 1827 half eagle are rarely encountered, and are almost never offered via private treaty. If you have been looking for a meaningful coin to "put away" or if you would like to own a lovely example of an indisputable great rarity, this is the coin you have been waiting for! 1827 Half Eagle Graded MS62 by PCGS and CAC Approved