1873-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-55 (PCGS). This is an uncommonly well preserved, exceptionally attractive example of an early date CC-Mint gold issue that is scarce to rare in all grades. Abundant luster remains to vivid orange-honey surfaces, the finish satin to softly frosted in texture. Striking detail is sharp to full overall, and the surfaces display only the expected number of wispy handling marks for having seen light commercial use. One is not likely to find a more visually appealing Choice AU 1873-CC $20, at least not without considerable searching. The astute bidder would be wise to take full advantage of this fleeting opportunity.<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 fourth 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), a total that is limited enough to preclude most collectors from owning one. For most double eagle and/or Carson City Mint enthusiasts, a minimally circulated and attractive coin such as offered here represents the finest realistically obtainable for this key date issue. PCGS# 8968. NGC ID: 26AJ. From the Jones Collection.
