The 1882-CC date is by far the most common one in the half eagle series from the Carson City Mint’s production during the 1880s. An estimated 715 to 775 examples exist in all grades. The supply has increased noticeably (not dramatically) during the past several years. This is because of the small hoard discovered reportedly through a Canadian bank source, possibly with Latin America connections.

The PCGS AU-58 specimen offered here is from this hoard, known as the Fairmont Collection. It is arguably the most eye appealing 1882-CC half eagle to surface from this hoard. This coin exhibits quality that comes as close to the Mint State level as possible, while still maintaining a high About Uncirculated rating.

This piece’s surfaces are admiringly original. Some would doubtless be tempted to carefully conserve this coin to remove the dusty film covering its surfaces to see if it would indeed reap a Mint State rating (possibly MS-61?). The light golden-yellow-olive coloration is accented with speckles of crimson-orange tint creviced around raised devices mostly circling the periphery.

The strike is bold, except for slight weakness visible on the eagle’s breast. Contact marks on either side are barely detectable. A tiny horizontal scratch gliding between stars 1 and 2 is hardly worth mentioning. One thing definitely deserving of mention is the lack of hairlines on the fields on either side. This is highly unusual for a circulated “CC” gold piece.

For the collector desiring all that the AU-58 grade has to offer in a “CC” gold half eagle, this is the coin. CAC obviously had no hesitation in approving it.