1870-CC $5 AU58 PCGS. CAC. Variety 1-A....

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1870-CC Liberty Half Eagle, AU58
High Condition Census
Incomparable Carson City Gold Rarity

1870-CC $5 AU58 PCGS. CAC. Variety 1-A. Ex: Bass-Bender. Carson City coinage authority Rusty Goe is thoroughly familiar with this outstanding 1870-CC half eagle, and wrote in Volume 1 of The Confident Carson City Coin Collector:

"At the top of the list in the AU-58 division is a coin that is unquestionably the most desirable example of this rare-denomination in the circulated sphere. This example is arguably the second most attractive 1870-CC half eagle (after the ex: Battle Born PCGS MS-61 specimen) extant, edging out the NGC MS-62 specimen, largely because of its sharply struck design elements (on the most vulnerable highpoints) over the NGC MS-62 piece's deficiency on these areas."

High praise indeed for the coin, but certainly well-deserved. Goe describes how Harry W. Bass, Jr. hand selected this coin in 1979, deeming it the better of the two finest-known examples at that time, after three decades of searching. A moderate dig in the field in front of Liberty's nose pedigrees the piece and is the sole mark of any significance on this coin, which radiates exceptional luster beneath attractive, original orange-gold surfaces. Lilac overtones add to the strong eye appeal. The bold central strike represents an early die state -- sharper at the centers than many 1870-CC fives, including the eagle's head and neck.

Harry Bass held the coin until 1999, when it was included in Part II in Bowers and Merena's offering of the fantastic Bass Collection. Later, this memorable 1870-CC five dollar highlighted the Old West Collection of Carson City Mint Half Eagles and Eagles, sold by ANR in August, 2006 as lot 1324. No later appearances are documented until the present important offering.
First-year Carson City coinage epitomizes the challenge of building a formidable Carson City set, especially for the half eagle, eagle, and double eagle denominations. Of those gold issues, the half eagle is obtainable in lesser grades but is virtually unavailable any finer. Only two Mint State examples are certified. This coin exists like a beacon at the forefront of the About Uncirculated level, exceeding all others in technical quality and visual excellence. Those building a fine collection cannot help but let the Bass-Bender 1870-CC five inspire a bold bid. Population: 4 in 58, 1 finer. CAC: 1 in 58, 1 finer (7/22).
Ex: 1979 ANA Auction (New England Rare Coin Auctions, 7-8/1979), lot 182; Harry W. Bass Collection, Part II ( Bowers and Merena, 10/1999), lot 1170; The Mint (Jay Parrino); New York Gold Mart (Ron Karp); Old West Collection (American Numismatic Rarities, 8/2006), lot 1324.
From The Bender Family Collection, Part I. (Registry values: P3)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25WA, PCGS# 8320, Greysheet# 9049)

Weight: 8.36 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

View all of [The Bender Family Collection, Part I ]

View Certification Details from PCGS

The Confident Carson City Coin Collector
by Rusty Goe

The Carson City Mint’s celebrated legacy — replete with landmark achievements, setbacks, mysteries and tall tales — is covered in exacting detail in Goe’s three-volume set.

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