1875-CC $5 MS(PCGS#8337)

August 2018 ANA U.S. Coins Auction Philadelphia, PA

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

1279

等级

MS61

价格

492,583

详细说明

Phenomenal Mint State 1875-CC Liberty $5 One of Only Two Uncirculated Specimens 1875-CC Liberty Head Half Eagle. Winter-1-B. MS-61 (PCGS). CAC. A radiant specimen where the dark orange-gold color transitions ever so lightly to an almost olive-gold patina towards the edges. Overall, the appearance is uncommonly even and smooth for the issue, free of the all-too-often seen abrasions and damage that are typically found on survivors of this issue. The obverse reveals shimmering fields interspersed with lovely areas of silky luster, while the reverse retains much of its satiny luster in the protected areas, allowing for the cartwheel effect to shine through. The striking quality is above normal for an otherwise softly struck issue, with only touches of weakness in Liberty's curls, and on the eagle's neck and upper portion of the shield. All in all, a premium quality specimen with superior eye appeal well-deserving of the CAC approbation. The wealth of the Comstock Lode began to flow to the Mint in earnest in 1875. Not only was silver being extracted in huge quantities, a sizable amount of gold was also coming out of the famous Consolidated Virginia Mine; fully half of the government's $1.5 million purchase of bullion in mid-1875 was gold. The focus on coining gold was on the double eagle in 1875 rather than the two smaller denominations, as well as 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, thus making choice examples, as here, especially desirable. At least two different obverse and three different reverse dies paired in six 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 remained there serving the monetary needs of the local economy for years. 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 known. The finest known is a solitary MS-63 that we (Stack's) sold as part of the Morgan Collection of Branch Mint Gold in January 2007 and has not been publicly sold since. In the time since our Battle Born sale, no new Mint State examples have been reported. This is an opportunity almost as rare as the coin itself and will attract the eye of astute Carson City gold specialists everywhere. An important specimen that will require a robust bidding strategy to secure. Provenance: From the York Collection. Earlier from our sale of the Battle Born Collection, August 2012, lot 11006. Earlier ex our (Stack's) sale of the Robison Collection of United States Gold Coins, February 1979, lot 498; our (Stack's) sale of the Reed Hawn Collection, October 1993, lot 995; Dr. Larry Cutler Collection; Doug Winter and Lee Minshull, November 1996; Bob Lecce and Larry Demerer, June 1997; and the Nevada Collection. The plate coin for the issue on page 36 of the 2001 book, Gold Coins of the Carson City Mint, by Douglas Winter and James L. Halperin. Combined PCGS and NGC Population: 1; only 1 finer (an MS-63). PCGS# 8337. NGC ID: 25WU. Click here for certification details from PCGS.