While overshadowed by its first year of issue counterpart the 1870-CC, the 1870 half eagle is a scarce issue in its own right. Only 4,000 business strikes were made and there are fewer than 100 known today with most in the EF40-AU50 range. I am aware of just two in Uncirculated and the finest that I have personally seen is the PCGS MS61 sold as Lot 1169 in the Bass II sale for $14,375.

This piece shows very little in the way of actual wear but as with nearly every known 1870 half eagle, it has numerous abrasions on the surfaces. Unlike most 1870 half eagles, it has not been scrubbed or processed and there is a considerable amount of natural frosty luster below a layer of light to medium russet color. An indentation on Liberty’s chin serves as ready identification.

The last NGC AU58 to sell at auction was Heritage 1/12: 6378, which brought $6,325. That coin was more abraded and less original than the current example.

With Uncirculated examples of this date unavailable, this 1870 half eagle represents the best available quality for the date.