1872-CC Half Eagle (1872-CC $5) NGC F12. Honest wear characterizes this rare, pleasant branch mint half eagle. While IN GOD WE TRUST is worn, all the letters are readable, which is a criterion for this grade. On the obverse we see a well outlined Liberty with details of some facial and hair features visible. The date and stars are also clear. On the reverse we see about half of the feathers. The other devices are worn but visible as well.

The mint mark CC is light but can be seen. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the half eagles of 1866 to 1908 are the Coronet, With Motto type. The portrait shows Liberty facing left wearing her hair in beads with a coronet inscribed LIBERTY. Thirteen stars surround her with the date below. The reverse shows the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Below the eagle is the denomination FIVE D. Dots precede and follow the denomination, and the mint mark is above it.

Christian Gobrecht was the third Chief Engraver at the Mint. He designed such numismatic icons as the Flying Eagle and the Seated Liberty. He also made improvements to a medal making machine that could be converted to a two dimensional illustration. In 1835 he became an assistant to Engraver William Kneass. When Kneass had a debilitating stroke, Gobrecht became the die engraver. He served as Chief Engraver until his death in 1844. His Coronet motif was used on the half cent and the large cent as well as the gold quarter eagle, half eagle, and eagle.

This coin is prohibitively rare in higher circulated grades. In its population report, NGC has certified only 59 in all grades.