The Specie Payment Resumption Act of January 14, 1875, ushered in a brief period of heightened half dollar production that lasted into 1878. With the government seeking to remove the paper currency that had become prevalent in circulation during and after the Civil War and replace it with "hard money," the three operating mints at the time (Philadelphia, Carson City and San Francisco) increased production of the dime, quarter and half dollar. The 1877 is the third of four high mintage half dollar deliveries from the Philadelphia Mint during this era, with 8,304,000 circulation strikes being produced, making this a relatively plentiful issue in most grades. However, in the finest Mint State grades, as here, the 1877 emerges as a noteworthy condition rarity. With a very rare (for the type) PL designation from PCGS, this bright and brilliant Gem has few peers among Motto Liberty Seated half dollars of any issue. A premium example destined for a fine cabinet.