1872-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-55 (PCGS). CAC.Warmly patinated in even khaki-gold, this minimally circulated example retains ample evidence of a satin to softly frosted finish from the dies. Overall striking detail also remains bold, although we do note characteristic softness of definition in and around the centers on both sides. The in hand appearance is smoother than one might expect for an early date Carson City Mint double eagle at the Choice AU grade level. The 1872-CC is the third double eagle issue from this fabled Frontier era branch mint, the mintage a modest 26,900 pieces with a face value of $5,380,000. In the first three years of coinage operations at the Carson City Mint -- 1870, 1871, and 1872 -- it seems that the gold coins were used regionally and, indeed, we suspect that the 1872-CC double eagle as an issue helped form the backbone of the economy in and around Carson City. Beginning in 1873, however, quantities of gold coins were more widely distributed, including in shipments sent to foreign banks. Today, the first three CC-mint gold issues across all three denominations -- $5, $10, and $20 -- are all true classics. Grades for surviving 1872-CC double eagles are often VF to EF. This lovely AU is exceptional and, considering the rarity of the issue in Mint State, it is sure to be of particular interest to quality conscious collectors.PCGS Population: 28; 29 finer, just seven of which are Mint State (MS-62 finest).From the Fairmont Collection.
