1871-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU Details--Improperly Cleaned (NGC). A sharp example of this rare issue with satisfying eye appeal for the assigned grade. The luster is muted across both sides but the complexion is free from any distracting brightness or hairlines. Mostly smooth overall with just minor bagmarks visible under a glass. 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, and when available at all, the 1871-CC is usually found damaged and heavily abraded. The present example represents an enticing find for the budget-conscious numismatist seeking one of the early historic double eagles from this perennially popular Western mint.
