The surge in double eagle coinage at the Carson City Mint that began in 1874 proved short lived, with the 1877 mintage failing to reach the 100,000-coin mark followed by 42,565 pieces produced in 1877, just 13,180 coins in 1878, and a paltry 10,708 in 1879. Thereafter coinage of this denomination ceased at Carson City until 1882. The 1879-CC double eagle is held in high regard by numismatic scholars. Writing in our August 2012 catalog of The Battle Born Collection of Carson City Mint Coinage, noted CC-Mint expert Rusty Goe states: "Similar to the 1878-CC, the 1879-CC with its small output, shows a high survival rate, perhaps five percent. Yet, also peculiar to the former year, examples of the latter make infrequent auction appearances, especially in Mint State." Writing in the same catalog, Q. David Bowers opines: "The Carson City Mint struck 10,708 double eagles in 1879, once again creating a rarity. Today this issue is scarce in all grades and is very rare in Mint State. I estimate that 250 to 350 survive all told -- a small number when you consider the popularity of Carson City coinage today. "This remains one of the more elusive Carson City Mint double eagles despite the augmentation in recent decades by imports." Indeed, the occasions that we can recall having an 1879-CC double eagle in any grade pass across his desk are few and far between. This outstanding coin is sharply struck throughout with plenty of vibrant satin luster in evidence. Dominant light orange gold is augmented by blushes of warmer rose and reddish-gold along the left reverse border. The 1879-CC is the rarest Carson City Mint double eagle issue in AU and Mint State grades after only the legendary 1870-CC and the elusive 1871-CC. This important 1879-CC is destined for an accomplished Carson City Mint collection. ， Est. $15,000-$25,000
