From 1862 through 1872 the Philadelphia Mint produced an incredible and memorable string of low-mintage rarities, ranging from a high of 6,870 business strikes in 1867 to a low of 1,660 circulation coins in this year, 1872. Most pieces known today are only Very Fine to Extremely Fine, with the average certified grade about Choice XF. Collectors of the day--the few who could afford to assemble sets of half eagles--preferred proof coinage from the Philadelphia Mint to Uncirculated business strikes.