The 1874-CC is the second most available Carson City half eagle struck prior to 1880 (after the common 1879-CC). There are around 150-175 known in all grades with most in the VF-EF range. This date is scarce in AU50 to AU55, rare in AU58 and extremely rare in Uncirculated.

This coin shows a typical flat strike on the obverse and this is likely the reason it only grades EF45; it has enough luster to grade AU50 and there is not much in the way of actual wear. This piece show nice light color and natural surfaces which have never been dipped or scrubbed as have most 1874-CC half eagles. A few small marks in the fields are not detracting.

There have been just three EF45 1874-CC half eagles graded by the major services since 2006. The last of these, an NGC coin without CAC certification. brought $4,600 as Heritage 2/10: 1601.

This date becomes expensive in AU grades and for many collectors, a choice EF with CAC approval is about the closest thing to a “dream” 1874-CC half eagle.

CAC has approved three in this grade with 12 finer.