1873-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-60 (PCGS). An extraordinary condition rarity that will appeal to both advanced double eagle collectors and specialists in coins from the fabled Nevada branch mint. This is a lovely coin with fully original surfaces dressed in rich honey-gold color. Lustrous, as well, we note a softly frosted texture to smartly impressed, sharply defined features. A few trivial grease streaks on the obverse are as made and further testify to the awesome originality of this piece.<p>During the late 19th century the Western regions of the United States preferred to conduct business with specie rather than paper money, with the double eagle particularly favored for large transactions. Even at the newly opened Carson City Mint, focus on gold coin production was directed toward the double eagle. In its third year of operation 22,410 examples of this denomination were produced at the rustic frontier facility, spread out in several batches throughout the year, almost all of which immediately entered circulation. Numismatists were effectively nonexistent in the region, thus high grade examples were not retained. Today, only 15 to 20 Mint State specimens are reported (per Rusty Goe, 2020), generally at the MS-60 level or slightly finer. For the assigned grade, it is difficult for us to imagine a more desirable example than that offered here from the Fairmont Collection. Premium quality in all regards, and worthy of the strongest bids.</p> From the Fairmont Collection-Hendricks Set.
