1881-CC Liberty Head Eagle. AU-53 (PCGS). CAC.Warmly patinated in honey-gold with more vivid pale rose highlights around the peripheries. Sharply defined with ample satin luster, this is an exceptionally well preserved survivor from a mintage of just 24,015 pieces. It is the sign of the rarity of this mintmarked gold series that the 1881-CC ranks among the highest mintage Carson City Mint eagles. In his cataloging for our August 2012 sale of the Battle Born Collection of Carson City Mint Coinage, Rusty Goe estimates that 600 to 695 examples are extant in all grades. In the same catalog description, Q. David Bowers takes a more conservative view and allows for just 250 to 400 survivors. Regardless of which estimate is closer to the truth, one thing is for certain -- most 1881-CC eagles in numismatic hands are confined to lower circulated grades such as VF and EF. Minimally worn, and also attractively original, this is a premium quality example that will appeal to both Liberty Head eagle and Carson City Mint enthusiasts.From the Fairmont Collection.
