?The Fairmont Collection – Hendricks Set is a tremendous highlight of our Spring 2022 Showcase Auction. This 1865 half eagle from that famous group is a rare Civil War date and is far more elusive than most people realize. It has a minuscule mintage of just 1,270 coins, the lowest production of the war years. The Liberty Head half eagle series is quite lengthy and only a couple other dates were struck in smaller numbers. PCGS estimates that 35 pieces remain in existence making this an incredible opportunity for bidders. We expect that this Fairmont-Hendricks half eagle will find its way into another advanced gold cabinet.
The present example is truly a choice, original AU with just subtle wear and lovely eye appeal, a desirable survivor of an underappreciated issue. It is sharply defined in most areas and original pinkish-honey surfaces exhibit flashes of softly frosted luster under a light.
PCGS has graded just eight pieces finer, two of which are in Mint State. CAC population reports that include both PCGS and NGC coins show that just two finer pieces have received that firm’s approval. 1865 half eagles come on the market infrequently and most offerings are far from choice and often impaired. The coin in our Spring 2022 auction is finer than most other certified AUs, as confirmed by CAC approval. Combining high condition with absolute rarity, this is a significant half eagle highlight from the Hendricks Set.
