 1871'CC' WB.101. Brilliant Uncirculated. A magnificent coin and certainly well up in the Condition Census for the year, with perhaps half a dozen that survive in some grade of Mint State. The present coin is satiny with enough lustre to please the eye and minimal surface marks. The strike is a hair weak on Liberty's head, but most of the stars show their radial lines. On the reverse the strike is sharp on the eagle's talons and feather tips. For identification purposes, there are a pair of scuffs below the knee of Liberty's left leg, and a minor tick on the post of the 'L' of DOL. For the collector, the present coin would make an excellent acquisition, and would be a centerpiece of any advanced collection.
By 1871 the Carson City Mint was hitting its stride, as production of Half Dollars increased to 153,950 pieces. Demand for coinage was high, and historically few people had the financial ability or cared to save these from the time of issue. Perhaps this one was tucked away and forgotten for many years, or held as a family heirloom. Whatever the case, this is one of the top half dozen of this date to survive, and a coin which any collector can long cherish.
Ex R. L. Miles Collection (Stack's, April 1969, lot 1369).
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