1873-CC With Arrows 50C NGC MS64. A wonderful near gem piece of this early Carson City Half Dollar. Mintages of the first few years of production at the Carson City Mint were low, and most of these pieces went into circulation and thus show wear in various degrees.

1873 marked the year of another change in the weight of most silver denominations, and the last year that both the half dime and liberty seated dollar were struck. As was the case in 1853/1854, arrowheads were placed alongside the date to denote the change (in this case an increase) of weight. As a result, two types of 1873 half dollars exist.

While to no arrows type is a scarce coin, the with arrows type is slightly more available. Although there are more survivors of this coin, most of these were extensively used in the western states, making uncirculated coins very scarce.
In his 2003 book, The Mint On Carson Street, Rusty Goe estimates that approximately 500-700 1873 with arrows half dollars are still in existence from the original mintage of 214,500 pieces. Of these however, only 20-25 coins are estimated to remain in uncirculated condition.

The present piece is a wonderful, premium quality MS-64 piece of this popular issue. Sharply struck, satiny luster shows on virtually mark-free surfaces. Slightly toned, with some orange red colors, most of the coin has turned in a very pleasing grey color. Completely original, this coin is a lovely example of this popular half dollar.