VERY RARE PCGS/CAC MS61 1871-CC HALF DOLLAR

WB-101

While less well-regarded than the 1870-CC, the 1871-CC half dollar is only slightly less rare both in overall and high grade rarity. It is seen more often in the higher circulated grades than the 1870-CC and can be located in the AU range with some patience. It is a major rarity in Uncirculated with as few as four or five known. The finest is the Reed Hawn-Battle Born-Gardner III coin, graded MS64 by PCGS/CAC, while the two next best are the NGC MS62 Queller coin and the PCGS/CAC MS62 Gardner IV duplicate. The fourth best is likely the Old West coin (see below for pedigree), followed by a PCGS MS60 which has never appeared at auction.

This is an indisputably “new” example with full, undisturbed mint luster and no wear on either side. The obverse shows some rich reddish-gold color which is deepest at the left border; the reverse shows similar but slightly lighter color which is deepest at the right edge. Liberty’s thighs and legs have somewhat deeper color, likely from being in an old coin envelope. The strike is sharp and there are minor marks but, overall, this piece is quite choice for the assigned grade.

No PCGS MS61 has ever sold at auction. The Gardner IV: 98688 coin, graded MS62 by PCGS and approved by CAC, had only so-so eye appeal but it still brought $42,300.

The finest known PCGS/CAC MS64 is off the market in the Tom Bender Collection while the Hansen Collection contains just a PCGS EF45. This leaves just two potential PCGS Uncirculated 1871-CC half dollars for the serious collector: the Gardner duplicate and this, the Old West coin. If I could choose between the two, I would select the latter due to its nicer color and its more reasonable price point.

Here is another coin which will greatly enhance a sophisticated Carson City silver coin set.

From the Old West Collection and ex Heritage 1/2014: 5256 (as NGC MS61 without CAC approval), where it sold for $17,038.

CAC has approved one in this grade with two finer (MS62 and MS64).

Old West Collection of Carson City Half Dollars

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