1868-S 50C XF45 PCGS号6324

Ron Guth

Half Dollar mintages were rarely over one million coins in the 1860's.  Most of the larger mintages were from the San Francisco Mint, with the exception of the 1860-O and 1861-O Half Dollars.  The mintage for the 1868-S Half Dollar came in at 1,160,000 coins -- just under the mintage of the 1867-S.  Both dates are considered semi-scarce, primarily because it was difficult for collectors on the East coast to acquire coins from the San Francisco Mint.  By the time the coins made it across the continent, they were well-worn and tired out.  As a result, the 1868-S Half Dollar commands premiums in most grades, but especially in Mint State, where they are particularly rare.  Most Mint State 1868-S Half Dollars are mid-range, but there are some notable examples, including a single, stunning PCGS MS67