Despite a huge mintage of over 3.16 million pieces, the 1880 half eagle is a very rare date in GEM grade. In over 35 years of grading coins, PCGS has graded just 30 in MS65 or better, none finer than MS66. A rich, thick frosted satin luster glows all over, accenting rose-gold and apricot hues. Sharply struck up with fully rendered devices and the surfaces are extremely clean, even for the grade, giving this GEM a great look. PCGS 19, NGC 25, CAC 3. Only 11 have graded higher at PCGS. This is the only CAC approved example to sell in auction, last sold in February 2017--nearly six years ago. The current Collectors Universe value is listed at $3,500 and the CAC CPG value is $4,060. Only 11 are graded higher. Cert. Number 82460308 PCGS # 8351