RARE LOW MINTAGE 1876 HALF EAGLE

In 1876, the Philadelphia mint was focused on producing double eagles and mintage figures for lower denomination issues was minimal. Only 1,432 business strike half eagles were made of which an estimated 50-60 are known. Interestingly, this date either comes well worn (in the VF-EF range) or very nice (MS63 to MS65) with almost nothing in between. A group of five to six are known in Uncirculated–including two Gems–which are almost certainly from a small hoard.

This natural russet example with semi-prooflike fields is likely the single finest circulatedexample of this popular Centennial date. It shows minimal actual wear and the surfaces are lightly abraded from being shipped loose in a bag. The eye appeal is exceptional for the date.

No PCGS AU58 1876 half eagle has ever sold at auction. Only two NGC AU58 pieces have crossed the block since 2009 and they realized $8,913 (in 2016) and $8,813 (in 2011).

If you don’t have the $25,000+ it will take to obtain an Uncirculated 1876 half eagle, this pleasing piece is the next best available quality.

CAC has approved this one coin in AU58 with none finer; only three for the date have been thus far approved.