We estimate that there are no more than approximately 400 1872-CC half dollars extant in all grades. This relatively small supply establishes this date as one of the scarcest in the “CC” half dollar series. However, the 1872-CC date is overshadowed by rarer dates including 1870-CC, 1874-CC, and 1878-CC. Nevertheless, collectors typically encounter challenges when searching for 1872-CC half dollars, especially in higher grades and especially if pleasing eye appeal is demanded.

Specimens are usually available in grades XF-40 and lower. They present greater challenges in the XF-45 grade class, and become prohibitively more difficult to locate in each notch ascending the About Uncirculated grouping, leading to very limited availability in the Mint State sphere.

The PCGS XF-45 example offered here displays exceptionally desirable quality for the grade. In fact, if it were not for the light weakness on Lady Liberty’s head and front thigh (facing), this piece would certainly deserve an About Uncirculated rating (at least AU-50). The obverse’s central area is mostly light in appearance. The obverse’s periphery displays delicate tinting, with a light blend of russet, blue, and green hues. All the highpoints except those noted (head and thigh) show sharp details. The letters in the Union shield’s LIBERTY stand fully at attention as do all the horizontal lines above it. A thin, arcing vertical scratch (practically invisible except when the coin is titled) rivers the right obverse field from near Liberty’s pole-holding wrist down to the right of her shin. A small diagonal rectangular-shaped skid mark intersects this scratch-line near its center. A speck-sized rim bruise is visible on the lower obverse to the left of the date. A tiny scratch hangs in the upper right field below the Phrygian cap. Other than these scars and scratches the obverse displays remarkably problem-free surfaces.

Flipping the coin over to the reverse, one is immediately impressed with the boldness of detail on the eagle and shield. Also, the radiant luster emanating from the central area grabs one’s attention. Traces of the same toning seen circling the obverse gently wraps parts of the reverse’s periphery. Contact marks are virtually unnoticeable on the reverse, with only minor wisps of hairlines dancing in the fields. Some sort of dark crud (for lack of a better term) hugs the insides of certain letters on the reverse. This is mostly observable in TE in UNITED, A, E, R, A in AMERICA, D and L in DOL, and the mintmark’s second “C.” This same substance also embeds the eagle’s talons. Overall, the reverse qualifies for at least an AU-50 rating (if not higher).

This lovely example of this semi-key date will add value to an advanced circulated set of “CC” half dollars, or nicely fill a space in a 10-piece “CC” coin type set. Its eye appeal transcends that of most Extremely Fine 1872-CC half dollars offered during the 21st century’s first two-plus decades.