1879-CC Liberty Head Half Eagle. Winter 1-A. MS-61 (PCGS). CAC. An exceptionally well preserved, fully Mint State example that ranks among the finest survivors of this scarce and conditionally challenging issue. The strike is razor sharp throughout; even the hair curls over Libertys brow and the eagles neck feathers are crisp. Attractive mint luster flows over both sides, and the surfaces display rich honey-rose color that testifies to the coins originality. Smooth and inviting for the assigned grade, this premium quality coin is sure to attract strong bids.<p>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 has a mintage of just 17,281 pieces, and it is scarce in an absolute sense. Rusty Goe provides an updated (2020) estimate of only 235 to 270 survivors in all grades, just eight or nine of which are Uncirculated. The Fairmont-Hendricks specimen offered here is a newcomer to the market, and it is solidly in the Condition Census for this challenging issue. It is a significant Mint State rarity that would serve as a highlight in the finest numismatic cabinet. From the Fairmont Collection-Hendricks Set.
