1882-CC Liberty Head Eagle. Winter 2-A. Misplaced Date. AU-50 (PCGS). OGH. A highly appealing, very sharp survivor of this challenging Carson City Mint eagle. Nearly full detail remains and when combined with virtually complete luster and bright frosty to semi-prooflike surfaces, one could easily envision a Choice AU grade for this coin. Cloudiness in the fields is associated with faint hairlines, however, suggesting the AU-50 designation represents a net grade on the part of PCGS. Supremely attractive, nonetheless, this is a PQ coin for the assigned grade that is sure to see spirited bidding among astute collectors.<p>Production of ten-dollar gold eagles at the Carson City Mint dropped off markedly in 1882 compared to 1880 and 1881. Only 6,764 coins were struck, all of which were delivered by the coiner in September. Although virtually the entire mintage of the 1882-CC circulated in the American West, some worn examples may have found their way overseas later in bulk shipments of U.S. gold coins as part of international transactions. Curiously for an issue that saw such extensive commercial use, the 1882-CC has an above average rate of survival with Rusty Goe (2020) estimating that as many as 190 pieces are extant in all grades. Q. David Bowers (2012) takes a similar approach with an estimate of 125 to 175 survivors, and both authors agree regarding the extreme rarity of this issue in Mint State. With only four or five Uncirculated coins accounted for (again, per Rusty Goe), this AU-50 represents a significant find in todays competitive numismatic market.
