1884-CC $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle PCGS AU55 (CAC) Ex.The Fairmont Collection

This is an extremely rare coin. The vast majority of this issue saw heavy circulation in the rough-and-ready Old West of its day. People who lived in the West refused to use paper money and therefore gold pieces, especially the $5 Liberty half eagles, saw much circulation. The mintage was just 16,402. PCGS has graded 23 as AU55, with 23 finer. Collectors Universe prices this issue at $12,500.00 in AU55. In CAC there are 12 piece in AU55 with 23 finer. The highest graded PCGS example is only MS62, so this piece is near the top of the pop.

The Carson City Mint, where this rarity was struck in 1884.

Doug Winter writes, “There are just five half eagles from this decade made at the Carson City mint. … The 1884-CC is a real rarity in Uncirculated and for most collectors a nice AU is about as choice as they can wish for. Many 1884-CC half eagles graded AU50 to AU55 are bright and unoriginal …” However, this offering from AUCM is an original piece with attractive rich golden coloration.