Despite its low mintage of 12,958, the 1883-CC is a forgotten issue in the Carson City half eagle series. There are under 200 known in all grades with most in the EF40 to AU50. Properly graded AU53 to AU55 examples are very scarce and this date becomes a major rarity in Uncirculated with just four or five known to me.

This fresh to the market example has excellent luster and nice natural color. It appears to have never been scrubbed and this is unusual for this date as most have an unnatural appearance caused by harsh cleanings. As is typical for the issue, the strike is slightly flat at the centers. This is among the nicer 1883-CC half eagles that I have seen or handled in some time.

Only three AU53′s (all graded by NGC) have sold at auction since October 2003 and the last one, ex Heritage 1/13: 7242, realized $4,406.

There are not many CC half eagles which are undervalued but the 1883-CC is, in my opinion, one of the best values in this heavily collected and well-researched series.

CAC has approved one in this grade with eight finer.