1872-CC $5 MS(PCGS#8326)

June 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2232

Grade

AU55

Price

24,400

Lot Description

Offered is one of the finest 1872-CC half eagles available to advanced gold collectors and Carson City Mint enthusiasts. It is a highly attractive coin dressed in vivid orange-gold and deeper honey-olive colors. Abundant mint frost remains to surfaces that are exceptionally smooth during in-hand viewing. This is not a well struck issue, and while we note characteristic softness through the centers, there is also considerable sharpness of detail toward the borders. Both the quality and eye appeal are superior.<p>The 1872-CC (16,980 coins struck) is much rarer than the 1871-CC in all grades and is tied with the 1873-CC as the second rarest Carson City Mint half eagle in high grades after the 1878-CC. Unlike the 1870-CC, 1871-CC and 1873-CC, the 1872-CC is unknown in Mint State at PCGS (although the current version of the online <em>NGC Census</em> reports one grading event each in MS-60 and Unc Details). As a PCGS-certified Choice AU survivor, the offered coin qualifies as Condition Census for the issue and is fit for inclusion in the finest numismatic cabinet.