1879-CC Liberty Head Half Eagle. AU-58 (PCGS).A sharply defined, exceptionally well preserved survivor from a mintage of just 17,281 pieces. Satiny surfaces are predominantly lustrous with a smooth, inviting, medium gold appearance. Due to outlandish railroad tariffs, by the late 1870s it was more profitable for Nevada miners to send their bullion for coinage to the San Francisco Mint as opposed to the nearby Carson City facility. Carson City Mint expert Rusty Goe (August 2012) states that, "By 1879, Nevadas miners were already sending about 100 times as much of their gold to the San Francisco Mint than they were depositing in Carson City, and about 13 times as much silver." It is little wonder, therefore, that the Nevada branch mint produced so few gold coins of any denomination in 1879. The 1879-CC half eagle is scarce in an absolute sense with Rusty Goe providing for only 270 to 340 circulated survivors and just four to six coins in Mint State. With so few pieces extant in the latter category this premium quality Choice AU -- conditionally rare in its own right -- represents the finest that most collectors can hope to obtain for this challenging key date issue.
