1856 Liberty Gold Half Eagle ($5)

Warm, sunlit gold with hints of orange and a pleasing, evenly worn skin, this XF shows residual luster hugging the stars and devices and a confident, original look that earned the green bean. Surfaces are smooth for the grade with only light, honest circulation marks in the open fields, nothing distracting. The strike remains bold where it matters, and the coin’s color is remarkably even on both sides, delivering far better eye appeal than we usually see at this level. Seated in a PCGS gold shield holder with a well-deserved CAC sticker, this example has that wholesome, untouched vibe we all hunt for.