1878-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-50 (PCGS).A fully original, appreciably lustrous example of this scarce and conditionally challenging CC-mint issue. Bathed in warm honey-gold patina, both sides retain overall sharp striking detail and plenty of satin to softly frosted luster. The passing of the Bland-Allison Act in 1878 meant that the Treasurys focus was placed on striking silver dollars over gold coins. Only 13,180 double eagles were struck at the Carson City Mint that year, less than one-tenth the production from just two years prior, making this one of the scarcest issues in this mintmarked gold series. While the estimated overall survival rate of 4% to 5% for the 1878-CC double eagle is larger than most others from this facility, specimens appear at auction far less than expected. Seldom seen in any grade, attractively original AU examples such as this are particularly elusive and worthy of serious consideration whenever they appear at auction.From the Fairmont Collection.
