1880-CC $5.00 NGC AU58 CAC

This is exactly the sort of coin that I like: a bright, intensely lustrous slider that has more eye appeal than just about any example of this date that you are likely to find in an MS61 holder. But the real beauty of this coin is its high degree of value: an MS61 is going to cost you $11,000-13,000. And the 1880-CC half eagle, while a scarce and desirable issue, is really not a coin that I would suggest spending five figures on unless you are compelled to build a Condition Census level quality set of CC half eagles. This coin probably saw no real circulation but it has a slight amount of friction on the high spots. It is well struck and very lustrous with light rose overtones atop choice surfaces. As is the case with this date, it is extremely well struck on both the obverse and reverse. A great type coin for the collector who wants to own one high quality pre-1890 half eagle from this mint.

1880-CC $5.00 PCGS AU55 CAC

A very high end coin for the grade with as much "meat" and overall eye appeal as many Carson City half eagles that I have seen in AU58 holders. The Carson City mint produced just five half eagles in the 1880's. The 1880-CC is the second most available but it is very hard to find in properly graded AU55. This example has nice medium green-gold color and it is as well struck as any 1880-CC that I have seen. A hint of orange-gold toning can be seen when the surfaces are tilted towards a light source. A few shallow marks in the left obverse field do not detract. A great looking coin that should appeal to both type collectors and date collectors.

1880-CC $5.00 PCGS AU58 CAC

Thus ultra-lustrous super-slider probably was never in circulation but it shows just a hint of friction on the high spots of the obverse; the reverse grades at least MS61 by itself. The light orange-gold obverse is clean and boldly detailed with just a few small marks in the fields; the reverse is exceptionally free of marks. The 1880-CC is a much scarcer date than the 1882-CC and it is very rare in Uncirculated with fewer than a dozen properly graded pieces known. If available, a PCGS MS61 with a CAC sticker would cost around double the price of this AU58. In my opinion, this coin is a great value and it would fit well into just about any high end collection of CC half eagles.