1872-CC $5.00 NGC AU55 CAC

There are only two half eagles from the Carson City mint that are unknown in Uncirculated: the 1872-CC and the 1878-CC. The 1872-CC is not as rare, overall, as the 1878-CC but it is a scarce coin in all grades with slightly more than 100 known from the original mintage of 16,980. The present example is completely new to the market, having recently been found in Europe. It is the single most original 1872-CC half eagle that I have seen with lovely deep, even green-gold color atop lightly worn, satiny surfaces. This date is typically seen bright and many of the coins in AU holders have been recolored (I have seen at least two with horrible Cheeto orange color). This is compounded by the fact that the surfaces on most are deeply abraded. Not so on this piece, as it is very clean with no marks of note. In the last few years, I have only handled one 1872-CC half eagle that was slightly better than this; an NGC AU58 that was CAC approved. Comparing this example to recent offerings, it is similar in quality to Heritage 4/06: 1890 (PCGS 55; $28,750) and much nicer than Heritage 1/23/07: 1415 (PCGS 55; $25,000) or Stack's Bowers 6/11: 9492 (PCGS 55; $25,300). The demand for choice Carson City gold coins has grown considerably in the last few years and, in my opinion, this is the best 1872-CC half eagle that is available. It is the only AU55 that has received CAC approval (two in AU58 have as well). A very important offering for the advanced specialist.