1876 Liberty Head Half Eagle. AU-58 (PCGS). CAC. The 1876 is a highly elusive Philadelphia Mint Liberty Head half eagle, offered here in a particularly desirable state of preservation. Rich pinkish-honey color is enhanced with just a hint of pale silver and appreciable reflective luster in the fields on both sides. A touch of softness to the central high points is common for half eagles of this era, and otherwise the striking detail is razor sharp. This is a thoroughly appealing, barely circulated Liberty Head gold coin from a scarce, key date issue.<p>Struck during the year of the United States Centennial, the 1876 is extremely popular with both Liberty Head half eagle specialists and more generalized collectors. It is also difficult to obtain in any grade. Just 1,432 circulation strikes were produced, as gold coins were still not exchangeable at par with paper currency at the time and were not actively circulating in the East and Midwest. This circumstance had prevailed since late 1861, and it would not change until late 1878, when parity was once again achieved. Survivors are seldom offered in todays market, especially with the quality and eye appeal of this Choice AU example. Tied for highest graded with CAC approval with just two other AU-58s. PCGS# 8339. NGC ID: 25WW. PCGS Population: 4; 10 finer (MS-65 finest).<p>CAC Population: 3; 0. From the Fairmont Collection - JBR Set.
