Hey Tom-
Man, this is one good written and layed out article you've posted. I find it truly amazing that coinage halted at the C.C. mint April 1st of 1881 with the reasoning of bullion shortage. The mint in San Francisco in the same year minted 12,760,000 Morgan dollars and 969,000 half eagles and Carson City's mint only 333,901 coins total? Incredible! Where was San Francisco getting all their bullion and if it was coming from the Comstock why was it shipped the extra distance?
San Francisco must of had better politicians.
In spite of the low mintages of the 1881 C.C. half eagle, the price is not really out of reach for mid grades like VF-30. I went to the Sacramento A.N.A. show looking for either an 1890 or 1893 C.C. half eagle to make for a 90s short set. Didn't see any to speak of, one 1890 and two 93s that were defective, scratched or damaged in one way or another. Perhaps in the future I need to refocus towards one of the better dates C.C. half eagles such as the 1881.
Excellent work on the article, my friend, stay the course and will be looking forward to the next one.
-R-
