1888-S LIBERTY HEAD GOLD HALF EAGLE, PCGS AU58, SCARCE

Description

1888-S Liberty Head Gold Half Eagle
PCGS graded AU58
Garrett and Guth in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" state, "Despite a seemingly generous mintage, the 1888-S half eagle is a scarce date but can be found with some effort. Most examples are very bagmarked, and ones with good eye appeal are rare... All in all, the 1888-S half eagle is an underappreciated rarity."
Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia Of U.S. And Colonial Coins" suggests, "Usually VF; very rare above"
David Akers' "United States Gold Coins - An Analysis of Auction Records - Volume IV - Half Eagles 1795-1929" echoes the scarcity, "Undoubtedly because of the "common date" status of the other S Mint Mark Half Eagles of the 1880's, the 1888-S is generally regarded as a common date as well. As auction data shows, however, it is not at all common and is actually very scarce in all grades and surprisingly rare in strictly uncirculated condition." His average grade is only VF28 for the 49 1888-S coins in his survey.
This coin shows very few contact marks given the observations listed above and also has a generous amount of luster remaining.
PCGS/NGC graded population 649
Mintage 293,900
Will ship Via USPS Priority Mail, signature required.