1879-CC Liberty Head Half Eagle. Winter 1-A. AU-50 (PCGS). CAC.
An uncommonly well preserved example that ranks among the finer survivors of this scarce and conditionally challenging issue. The strike is razor sharp in virtually all areas; only the eagle's neck feathers exhibit mentionable softness. Remnants of frosty mint luster flow over both sides, and the surfaces display rich pinkish-honey color that testifies to the coin's originality. Smooth and inviting for the assigned grade, this premium quality coin is sure to attract strong bids. Due to outlandish railroad tariffs, by the late 1870s it was more profitable for Nevada miners to send their bullion to the San Francisco Mint as opposed to the nearby Carson City facility. Carson City Mint expert Rusty Goe (August 2012) states that, "By 1879, Nevada's miners were already sending about 100 times as much of their gold to the San Francisco Mint than they were depositing in Carson City, and about 13 times as much silver." It is little wonder, therefore, that the Nevada branch mint produced so few gold coins of any denomination in 1879. The 1879-CC half eagle has a mintage of just 17,281 pieces, and it is scarce in an absolute sense. Rusty Goe provides an updated (2020) estimate of only 235 to 270 survivors in all grades, just eight or nine of which are Uncirculated. The Fairmont specimen offered here is a newcomer to the market, and it is not all that far removed from Condition Census for this challenging issue. It is a significant rarity that would serve as a highlight in an advanced numismatic cabinet.
PCGS# 8349. NGC ID: 25X8.
From the Fairmont Collection - Rhone Set.

Estimate: $5000