Lot 1196
1879-CC $5 Liberty. SEGS graded MS-62. Well struck and lustrous. We note faint hairlines from an old cleaning. Our grade of MS60 is conservative. As with any Carson City half eagle issued up to 1890, the 1879-CC is legitimately rare in About Uncirculated and finer condition. That said, it is more often than not offered in the Very Fine to Extremely Fine grade range. A mere 17,281 pieces were issued, a figure that would increase threefold in two of the next three years to take some of the burden off the San Francisco mint. This lustrous Mint State example is one of just a handful of '79-CC half eagles to earn a Mint State rating and, as such, ranks at or near the top of the Condition Census scale for the issue. The obverse is very well struck while there is not even a hint of reverse softness on the eagle's neck feathers and talons, which is all to the advantage of the successful bidder. A light to medium reddish patina limits the effect of a few field marks and the aforementioned hairlines. Truly a desirable offering for the Carson City or rare gold specialist.
Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000.
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| Realized $11,500 |
