1871-CC Liberty Half Eagle. AU-58 (PCGS). CAC.；The year 1870 saw the inception of gold coin production at the Carson City Mint, marking the beginning of a decade of low-mintage issues affecting nearly all of the gilded denominations struck during that period. The Liberty half eagle was the smallest of the gold coins manufactured by this western mint, representing a smaller, more practical lubricant of commerce than the more popular double eagle or eagle.<p>Just 7,675 half eagles were struck in the inaugural year of production, nearly tripling to a mintage of 20,770 coins in 1871 when bullion deposits had swollen by 800% to $1,003,810. However, despite this production increase, the 1871-CC half eagle remains one of the scarcest issues in the series, with specialist Rusty Goe suggesting a survival rate of less than 1%. With as few as 140 examples remaining of the original mintage, the 1871-CC half eagle is coveted by collectors in any condition and extremely scarce in AU and above. <p>This AU-58 (PCGS) example sits comfortably among the best preserved of the extant population. Tied for third in the Condition Censuses of both Doug Winter and Rusty Goe, there is little doubt that this piece is truly significant for enthusiasts of both the Carson City Mint and Liberty gold coinage. PCGS reports only 6 additional coins at the current grade with just 2 events finer through MS-62, though these numbers are unavoidably inflated by resubmissions. Further approval by CAC validates the exceptional qualities of this specimen. <p>The quintessential Choice AU representative, luster remains satiny and prominent across all but the most vulnerable regions of this remarkable piece. Subtle bronze and pinkish hues accent the predominantly golden-wheat patina that radiates from each side. The devices are well haloed by mint frosting and the fields are left impressively composed to both magnified inspection and the naked eye. The motifs are handsomely rendered in respect the issue and minting facility, exhibiting overall bold definition with just a negligible softness atop the central elements. Faint evidence of clashing surrounds the eagle on the reverse, displaying most conspicuously between the lower beak and left wing. With a coalescence of superlative eye appeal and technical merit, inspection of this piece offers a gratification that goes unrivaled.
