1872-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-60 (PCGS). Warmly patinated in even honey-rose, this extraordinary condition rarity retains full mint luster in a softly frosted texture. Overall striking detail is sharp, and we note uncommonly complete definition in and around the centers on both sides. The in hand appearance is smoother than one might expect for an early date Carson City Mint double eagle at the assigned grade level, and this is clearly a superior example of a key date issue.<p>The 1872-CC is the third double eagle issue from this frontier era branch mint, the mintage a modest 26,900 pieces. In the first three years of coinage operations at the Carson City Mint - 1870, 1871, and 1872 - it seems that the gold coins were used regionally and, indeed, we suspect that the 1872-CC double eagle as an issue helped form the backbone of the economy in and around Carson City. Beginning in 1873, however, quantities of gold coins were more widely distributed, including in shipments sent to foreign banks. Today, the first three CC-Mint gold issues across all three denominations - $5, $10, and $20 - are all true classics. Grades for surviving 1872-CC double eagles are often VF to EF, and even a solidly graded and aesthetically pleasing AU is a rare find in todays market. Mint State coins, as here, are so elusive that most collectors will never even see one, let alone have the opportunity to compete for the opportunity to add an example to their collection. The strongest bids are in order here, for once this coin sells it may be many years before another 1872-CC double eagle of comparable quality appears at auction. PCGS# 8964. NGC ID: 26AE. PCGS Population: 5; 2 finer (MS-62 finest). From the Fairmont Collection - CBL Set.
