The March 22 Stack’s Bowers auction saw a handsome duo of Carson City Mint Coronet gold $5 half eagles with green Certified Acceptance Corp. stickers.

The 1871-CC Coronet half eagle was graded Very Fine 30 by Professional Coin Grading Service. The cataloger praised its fully original surfaces with both sides “bathed in warm honey-gold patina.” The firm further noted, “Direct lighting calls forth glints of pale flint gray and somewhat more vivid pinkish-rose iridescence.” Carson City Mint expert Rusty Goe suggests that about 200 survive from an original mintage of 22,770. This one, with less abraded surfaces than often seen, sold for $8,400.

An 1872-CC Coronet half eagle graded Fine 15 was described as “highly appealing” with boldly defined design elements and “exceptionally smooth” surfaces enhancing the eye appeal. It is from a low mintage of just 16,980 pieces, of which no examples have survived in Mint State grades, with Goe characterizing the survival rate as “conspicuously low.” This one sold for $5,760.

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