1866-S $5 NO MOTTO VF30 PCGS CAC

The 1866-S No Motto Liberty Head Half Eagle is one of the most elusive San Francisco issues of the Civil War era and an under-appreciated rarity within the Liberty Head series. Only 9,000 pieces were coined before the “IN GOD WE TRUST” motto was added to the reverse later that year, with fewer than 100 survivors estimated today! This PCGS VF30, CAC-approved example displays warm medium-gold color accented by honey and orange-gold hues, while subtle olive and amber highlights emerge around the stars and portrait. The fields are smooth and satiny with faint traces of peripheral luster, showing only light, honest wear across Liberty’s cheek and hairline. Overall, this piece exemplifies the original, un-dipped appearance so coveted by advanced collectors. There have been no CAC example in any grade that has sold recently except in high grade. With only 20 CAC approved in all grade this represents the perfect mid-range grade for an important year. Both CAC and PCGS Price Guide lists this at $5,750 today. This example ranks among the most desirable circulated survivors of the rare No Motto subtype.