1872-CC $5 AU53 PCGS....

Description

1872-CC Half Eagle, AU53
Lowest Carson City Survival Rate

1872-CC $5 AU53 PCGS. In only its third year of operation, the Carson City Mint managed a respectable--if still small--mintage of 16,980 half eagles in 1872. Most specimens of this denomination found a ready market in circulation in the rough-and-tumble West of the era, and today the average certified survivor grades only VF30 or thereabouts. Rusty Goe's The Mint on Carson Street notes that the grades of the first six Carson City half eagles in the famed Eliasberg Collection averaged only VF30, "then came the 1876-CC," a fabulous piece graded MS66 by PCGS that is "arguably the rarest and highest quality gold coin surviving from the Carson City Mint."
Regarding the 1872-CC production, Goe notes that the estimated survival is less than 0.5%, lower than any other issue in the series. The present 1872-CC, as noted, is far finer than the average certified survivor. In AU53 this piece is one of five coins so graded at PCGS, with seven finer (the finest are two examples in AU58). NGC has certified another five pieces in AU53, with 12 finer (2/11).
The present example offers pretty greenish-gold and hazel patina that complements a patch of lilac in the left obverse field, unusual but thoroughly original coloration. Minor doubling shows on some of the letters of FIVE DOLLARS, and light clashing shows on the eagle's left (facing) wing to the beak.(Registry values: P3)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25WG, PCGS# 8326, Greysheet# 9053)

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 Certification Details from PCGS