1874-CC Liberty Head Half Eagle. Winter 2-B. MS-61 (PCGS). A landmark offering from the Fairmont-Hendricks Collection, this newcomer to the modern market can now be added near the top of the Condition Census for the 1874-CC half eagle. It is a solid Mint State coin that combines a semi-prooflike obverse with a satin to softly frosted reverse. Both sides exhibit original deep honey-rose color, and sharp to full striking detail. Very smooth for the assigned grade, this coin would not disappoint in an MS-62 holder.<br />With 21,198 pieces struck, Carson City produced more half eagles in 1874 than either Philadelphia (3,488) or San Francisco (16,000). Carson City’s output was almost exclusively used locally, rather than in international trade like many produced at Philadelphia and even San Francisco. The 1874-CC half eagle is the most accessible of the denomination from this decade with as many as 200 to 250 extant specimens (per Rusty Goe, 2020). As with most issues from this mint, the vast majority are in the VF or EF grade levels. Rusty Goe’s estimate for Mint State coins is just two or three, a figure that needs to be revised to three or four coins to accommodate the present newcomer. Despite combined PCGS and NGC population figure that suggest a few additional coins, we can positively account for just three different Mint State 1874-CC half eagles:<br />1 - PCGS MS-63+. Ex our (Bowers and Merena’s) George N. Polis, M.D. Collection sale, June 1991, lot 1512; via Stack’s; A.J. Vanderbilt Collection; our sale of the A.J. Vanderbilt Collection, March 2018 Baltimore Auction, lot 10343; private collection, May 2018.<br />2 - PCGS MS-62. Ex our (Stack’s) sale of the Robison Collection of United States Gold Coins, February 1979, lot 498; our (Stack’s) sale of the Reed Hawn Collection, October 1993, lot 995; Dr. Larry Cutler Collection; Doug Winter and Lee Minshull, November 1996; the Nevada Collection; the Battle Born Collection; our sale of the Battle Born Collection of Carson City Mint Coinage, August 2012, lot 11005; Tom Bender PCGS Set Registry Collection.<br />3 - PCGS MS-61. Ex Fairmont Collection-Hendricks Set. The present example.<br />Research done by Rusty Goe confirms that the PCGS MS-63 on their current Population Report refers to an initial upgrade of the #1 coin above. Exactly what coin or grading event the MS-61 listing on the NGC Census refers to is unknown.This extraordinary half eagle combines premium quality with exceptional rarity, and would enhance even the finest numismatic cabinet.<p></p> From the Fairmont Collection-Hendricks Set.
