1877-CC Liberty Head Half Eagle. Winter 1-B. AU-55 (PCGS). CAC. This generally sharp example exhibits just a trace of characteristic striking softness to the central obverse and reverse high points. It is impressively original in preservation, the honey-rose surfaces are free of notable marks and ample luster remains. One would be hard pressed to find a more desirable CC-Mint five of any date at the Choice About Uncirculated level.<p>The Carson City Mint produced barely more half eagles in 1877 than it had the year before. Production was delayed until April when Mint personnel resumed coining, beginning with double eagles. The half eagles time came in August when the entire mintage of 8,680 pieces was executed in a single run; all were better produced than most earlier issues. While not one of the rarest Carson City Mint half eagles, the vast majority of survivors for the 1877-CC are found in VF and lower grades. Mint State coins are extraordinarily rare and seldom appear for sale, leaving market pressure to focus on the few Choice Almost Uncirculated specimens available. Among the finest certified of only 130 to 165 coins believed extant (per Rusty Goe, 2020), the addition of this lovely example would be noteworthy for any advanced Western gold cabinet. From the Fairmont Collection-Hendricks Set.
