The 1874 half eagle is the single rarest gold coin struck during this year in Philadelphia. Just 3,488 business strikes were made and it is likely that under 100 exist today with most in the EF and low AU grades. In Uncirculated, the 1874 half eagle is very rare with an estimated four or five known. The finest is a PCGS MS64 which is originally ex Bass II: 1194 and I am aware of a PCGS MS62 in an eastern collection. The present example is solidly in the Condition Census for the issue.

The surfaces show a blend of semi-prooflike reflectiveness and mint frost below light, even canary-yellow color. There are a few small ticks in the fields which limit the grade but this piece, which resides in an older generation holder, is conservatively graded and very cosmetic for an MS61.

The last MS61 1874 half eagle to sell at auction was Heritage 5/08: 3288 which brought $10,925. The last PCGS MS61 to sell (not this coin; it likely upgraded at NGC) was Heritage 7/02: 9182 which sold for $9,488.

Rare date half eagles of this magnitude seem like great value to me in comparison to eagles and double eagles of similar rarity.

CAC has approved this one coin in any Uncirculated grade.