1872-CC $5 Gold Liberty
PCGS AU53

The 1872-CC is one of the rarest half eagles from the Carson City Mint. In this regard, Rusty Goe (2003) writes that survival percentage estimates are lower than any other date in the series, with less than 0.5% extant. Likewise, Goe states that: "At the turn of the 21st century, the 1872-CC is the only date in the Carson City half eagle series that has not had a specimen graded in Mint State condition by either PCGS or NGC." Nearly a decade later neither service has yet to certify a Mint State specimen. This makes AU pieces such as the AU53 such a special offering. Attractive peach-gold coloration bathes both sides, each of which retains a good amount of luster in the recessed areas. As expected, the surfaces reveal a few small circulation marks, none of which are bothersome. The star radials are strong, as is the wing plumage, but the typically seen softness is apparent on portions of Liberty's hair and on the horizontal shield lines and adjacent neck feathers. Nevertheless, this specimen yields much better eye appeal than is characteristic of most surviving coins. Priced slightly below the Trends for a coin in the lesser AU50 grade! Pop is 10/18 combined NGC and PCGS. Photo to follow.

$24,700