1874-CC $20.00 PCGS EF45

A well-detailed example with enough luster seen to suggest a slightly higher grade. This date should bring a much higher premium over the more common 1875-CC than it currently does.

1874-CC $20.00 NGC AU53 CAC

Until a few years ago, this was a misunderstood date that was thought to be reasonably common. We now know that the 1874-CC is scarce in all AU grades and rare in Uncirculated with anything over MS60 to MS61 being virtually unobtainable. This example has the body and appearance of an AU55 to an AU58 but it has just a few too many small, shallow nicks to be graded as such. It will make an excellent date representative for most collectors of CC double eagles.

CAC has approved four 1874-CC double eagles in AU53 with twelve finer.

1874-CC $20.00 NGC AU50

I purchased this coin in an old NGC AU50 holder and thought it was a good candidate to upgrade to an AU53; maybe even an AU55. It didn't happen but I still think this coin shows an awful lot of luster and "body" for an AU50 and I have certainly seen inferior coins graded higher. A nice example of this tougher date.

1874-CC $20.00 PCGS EF40

Recently expatriated from Europe and graded by PCGS (somewhat conservatively I might add) in their Paris office. Nice and dirty with some underlying luster and attractive natural coloration. The surfaces are very clean for the issue. I think this coin compares favorably with the PCGS EF45 CAC example of this date which I just sold.

1874-CC $20.00 PCGS EF45 CAC

This is a very high end example for the grade with choice, original surfaces and attractive natural medium green-gold color. The surfaces are clean and evenly worn while there is a good deal of luster visible on the reverse. As a date, the 1874-CC double eagle is many times scarcer than the 1875-CC but it is still one of the most affordable Type Two double eagles from the Carson City mint.

1874-CC $20.00 NGC VF30 CAC

If there is such a thing as a "Gem VF" Carson City double eagle, this is it. While extensively worn, this piece has clean surfaces which are overlaid with deep reddish toning; more-so on the reverse than on the obverse. Ironically, this date is probably harder to find in VF than it is in EF or AU and it would be a perfect introductory coin for the new collector who wants to get his feet wet in the area of Carson City double eagles.

As of the end of June 2011, this is the only 1874-CC double eagle in VF 30 that has received CAC approval.