1873-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-55+ (PCGS). A noteworthy condition rarity that will appeal to both advanced double eagle collectors and specialists in coins from the popular Nevada branch mint. This is a lovely coin with fully original surfaces dressed in rich golden-olive color. Lustrous, as well, we note a softly frosted texture to features that are sharply defined throughout.<p>During the late 19th century the Western regions of the United States preferred to conduct business with specie rather than paper money, with the double eagle particularly favored for large transactions. Even at the newly opened Carson City Mint, focus on gold coin production was directed toward the double eagle. In its third year of operation 22,410 examples of this denomination were produced at the rustic frontier facility, spread out in several batches throughout the year, almost all of which immediately entered circulation. Numismatists were effectively nonexistent in the region, thus high grade examples were not retained. We estimate that some 250 to 350 circulated examples of the date are extant today, with most of those VF, EF to a lesser degree, and with AU pieces scarce but occasionally available. Given that Mint State survivors are major rarities, this uncommonly attractive Choice AU coin represents a particularly significant find for the quality conscious collector. PCGS# 8968. NGC ID: 26AJ. From the Fairmont Collection - Rhone Set.
