1875-CC $5 MS(PCGS#8337)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auktionator

Stack's Bowers

Losnummer

3318

Erhaltungsgrad

AU50

Preis

15.600

Losbeschreibung

Delicate pale lilac and powder blue highlights enliven otherwise warm honey-orange surfaces on both sides. Free of sizable marks with appreciable frosty luster in evidence, central softness hardly interferes with an otherwise sharp strike. Light hairlines and a touch of glossiness to the texture are mentioned for accuracy.<p>The wealth of the Comstock Lode began to flow to the Mint in earnest in 1875. Coining was focused on the double eagle in 1875, along with large quantities of trade dollars. Care in striking appears to have not been much of a concern for half eagles, resulting in what Doug Winter calls "...one of the worst struck Carson City half eagles." Soft indistinct strikes are the norm in this year, making choice examples especially desirable. Two different obverse and two different reverse dies paired in three different die marriages have been identified. Coiner William Hy Doane delivered 8,145 half eagles in the first half of the year before he turned over the reins to Levi Dague in August. The final batch of 3,683 coins was delivered in December. Even with this almost desultory production run, Carson City still led production in half eagles for the year. These few coins entered circulation and served the monetary needs of the local economy for years.<p>In a series well known for condition rarities, the 1875-CC stands out as one of the most challenging. Mint State examples are extraordinarily elusive for this issue. Estimates vary as to the total number of extant specimens at the circulated level, from as few as 90 to as many as 150. All the experts agree that there are only two confirmed Mint State examples. For collectors that find the Mint State coins out of reach, the next best thing is the handful of About Uncirculated survivors. These are rare in their own right, and market offerings are nearly as few as they are for the Uncirculated pieces. Interested parties are urged to pursue this coin with vigor for, once it sells, it may be years, if not decades before a similar opportunity presents itself.<p>