1871-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle. EF-45 (PCGS).With rich khaki-gold patina and much of the satin to semi-reflective finish remaining, this is an uncommonly original coin in a lightly circulated, early date Carson City Mint double eagle. Boldly to sharply defined, as well, and equally as desirable as many About Uncirculated examples that we have handled in recent years. The 1871-CC double eagle is one of the principle rarities of the denomination struck at Carson City, second only to the vaunted 1870-CC. The 174,387 coins produced at the Nevada facility that year were destined for immediate use in commerce, where gold was the vastly preferred medium of exchange. Thanks to its somewhat remote location in regards to other population centers at the time, the coins were heavily used in local circulation for many years. There were essentially no numismatists in the region, hence nobody with the interest or wherewithal to set aside an example at the time. Very few escaped the trials and tribulations of extensive circulation, in fact, and when available at all the 1871-CC is usually found damaged, heavily abraded or otherwise impaired. The present example, fully original with superior Choice EF quality, represents an enticing find for advanced collectors of Liberty Head double eagles and Carson City Mint coinage.From the Fairmont Collection.
