1870-CC Liberty Head Half Eagle. EF Details--Mounted (PCGS).Offered is an interesting example of a key date rarity among Carson City Mint half eagles. Modified to serve as a jewelry piece, this coin retains both a clasp and hanger soldered to the coin on the reverse. Even so, the eagle, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, the denomination FIVE D., much of the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and the all important CC mintmark remain clear. Nothing has been mounted to the obverse, although both sides are glossy in texture with scattered hairlines from having been cleaned. Overall detail on the devices is bold with softness confined to the center of Libertys portrait and the eagles head and neck. Warm honey-gold patina on both sides enhances the eye appeal. Although not a perfect example from a numismatic perspective, the opportunity to acquire any 1870-CC half eagle deserves serious consideration among Carson City Mint enthusiasts. This is the rarest CC-Mint issue of the denomination, the mintage only 7,675 pieces and survivors numbering only 85 to 105 coins in all grades (per Rusty Goe, August 2012). Housed in a slightly oversize PCGS holder to accommodate both the coin and the mounted clasp and hanger.
