United States 1859-C 5 dollars

PCGS XF-45 ~ White Oak River Collection

The mint began using a much smaller date logo, as opposed to 1858, which was used until its closure 2 years later. All 1859-C Half Eagles have a very mushy, almost "blurry" reverse strike, which was due to an improperly annealed and most likely rusty reverse die. As a result, the eagle, olive branch, and arrows appear very weak, even though the rims and reverse lettering are usually quite strong. To make matters worse, this same reverse die was employed in 1860 with the same result!

Recorded mintage: 31,847.

Specification: 21.6 mm diameter, 8.359 g, .900 fine gold, .2418 troy oz AGW, reeded edge.

Source:

• Harper, David C. [Ed.], North American Coins & Prices, 17th Ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2007.
• Yeoman, R. S., and Kenneth Bressett (ed.), A Guide Book of United States Coins, 59th Ed., Atlanta, GA: Whitman Publishing, 2005.

Link to:

• 1858-C 5 dollars
• 1859 cent
• 1859 half dime
• 1859 dime
• 1860-C 5 dollars
• Coins and currency dated 1859
• return to United States Liberty Head Half Eagles, No Motto (1839-1866)