1870-CC $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle PCGS G6 (CAC)

Greatest rarity of the $5 Liberty series!

Here is a unique opportunity to acquire the greatest rarity of the entire $5 Liberty head half Eagle series. This is a formidable rarity, for only 7,675 pieces were struck, the third lowest Carson City issue of the series. Importantly, the 1870-CC is rarer than either of the two lower mintage issues: the 1873-CC and the 1876-CC.

It is also more difficult to acquire than a number of its Charlotte and Dahlonega forerunners. This historic issue was struck in the first year of coining operations at the famous Carson City Mint. Doug Winter estimates that there are 50 to 60 surviving examples today. PCGS has graded 5 as G6 with 81 finer. In total, PCGS has graded 90 pieces and NGC 48 of the 1870-cc $5. However, since there are between 50 to 60 survivors, that point to multiple resubmissions at both grading companies. In CAC, there are 3 in G6 with 22 finer.

David Akers writes, “From a standpoint of rarity according to average grade, the 1870-CC ranks number one in the entire 300 coin Half Eagle series. I have seen fewer of this date than any other Carson City Half Eagle …. The 1870-CC is very rare in any condition and when available, the typical example is only Fine or VF. I have seen several EF's and one I graded full AU but none that could reasonably be called uncirculated.”

The Carson City Mint, where this great rarity was produced in 1870, the first year of coinage operations there. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.