1873-CC Liberty Head Half Eagle. Winter 1-A. VF-30 (PCGS). CAC.

From one of the most popular, and certainly most romanticized mints in U.S. coinage history comes this endearing 1873-CC half eagle. A fully original coin, generally honey-orange surfaces reveal a tinge of pale pinkish-apricot overall. Plenty of bold detail remains to the major design elements, this despite characteristically soft striking detail for the die pairing and moderate wear. The Nevada coinage facility delivered only 7,416 half eagles in 1873, the coins seeing immediate and extensive use in local commerce. Such was the fate of most Carson City Mint gold issues, many of which eventually went to the melting pot after years of circulation. Among the early date half eagles, fortunate is the coin that was retrieved from commercial channels in later years, although for the 1873-CC few coins were so lucky. In his cataloging for our August 2012 sale of the fabulous Battle Born Collection, Carson City Mint expert Rusty Goe estimated that just 85 to 95 coins are extant in all grades, a range that he tightened up a bit to 75 to 85 coins in his excellent reference The Confident Carson City Coin Collector (2020). Q. David Bowers takes a more conservative view and allows for just 45 to 65 survivors. The present example is a desirable mid-grade representative, that is sure to draw considerable interest and realize an equally strong price.

PCGS# 8331. NGC ID: 25WL.

CAC Population: 18 in all grades.

From the Fairmont Collection - CBL Set.