1881-CC Half Eagle (1881-CC $5) NGC MS61 and 1881-CC Eagle (1881-CC $10) NGC MS61 CAC is SOLD. Here is an outstanding pair of 1881-CC Half Eagle and 1881-CC Eagle coins offered as one lot. They have the same date, mintmark, and grade, but they are different denominations. The half eagle coin has subdued luster shimmering within the devices. The coin shows minor wispy flaws overall and light abrasion on the reverse, in keeping with the grade. The strike is above average on the reverse and somewhat less so on the obverse, especially on Libertys hair and the coronet.

The eagle coin has vibrant mint luster flashing on its bright surfaces. A couple of small scratches and light abrasion on the obverse, and a few tiny marks on the reverse keep this coin from a higher mint state grade. The CAC sticker confirms that the coin has been properly graded. While average on the obverse, the strike is strong and sharp on the reverse.

Although they differ in size and weight, the two coins have essentially the same design, which was thought to be an anti-counterfeiting measure. The Coronet motif shows Liberty in profile facing left wearing a LIBERTY inscribed coronet with her hair tied in the back in beads. Two long curls hang down her neck, one in the back and the other on the side. She is surrounded with thirteen six-pointed stars. The date is below the truncation, which shows no drapery. The motif is taken from a Benjamin West painting of Venus. It was also used with modifications for the Large Cents of 1839. The reverse shows a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings looking to the left. On its chest is the Union shield. In its talons it holds the olive branch and arrows, symbols of peace and preparedness. Except for the tips of the eagles wings, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the reverse and is separated from the denomination by dots. Dentils are near the edge on both sides of the coin, and the edge is reeded.

Because of the insistence and public pressure brought about by the Reverend M.R. Watkinson, Congress acted to add the motto IN GOD WE TRUST to the countrys coinage. Watkinson felt that adding the motto was one way to recognize God. Secretary of Treasury Salmon P. Chase agreed. He said, No nation can be strong except in the strength of God or safe except in His defense. The trust of our people should be declared on our national coins. The coinage act of 1865 followed. It mandated that all coins large enough to accommodate the motto IN GOD WE TRUST have it added. The half eagle and eagle were two of the coins that were included, and the motto was added to a banner above the eagles head.

In 1872-73 the Carson City Mint made some lightweight, debased coins. Although he was fired, the Mint Superintendent, H.F. Rice could have been executed under the law at that time. Because of this checkered history, Carson City mintage was distrusted. Many Carson City coins were routinely tested. Often pieces show traces of edge test marks. Later, because of political reasons, Carson City mintages were limited. Most Nevada bullion went to San Francisco. Then because of its limited output, Mint Director Henry Linderman reasoned that the mint was not particularly useful and urged that it be closed. In fact the mint was closed four years after the present coins were minted. It reopened in 1888 but because of the depression, it closed again for good in 1893.

The 1881-CC half eagle had an original mintage of 13,886, which means all surviving specimens are rare. In its population report, NGC shows 77 in all grades. In MS61 there are 2 with 2 better.

The 1881-CC eagle had an original mintage of 24,015. For this one, NGC shows a total population of 350, with 18 in MS61 and 39 better.