EXTREMELY RARE AND IMPORTANT PCGS/CAC AU58 1873-CC

A compelling case can be made for calling the 1873-CC the single rarest Carson City eagle in higher grades (AU55 and above) although the 1870-CC and the 1879-CC can also be considered for this title. The 1873-CC is clearly a truly rare issue in About Uncirculated with not likely more than six to eight accurately graded pieces accounted for. The two finest known are the present coin (see below for the full pedigree) and Battle Born: 11023 which is graded NGC AU58 and which sold for $94,000 in 2012.

I first saw this coin back in 1999 and even then, I was aware of its significance. It shows no real wear but there is noticeable friction in the obverse fields and thus the assigned grade. There is nearly full luster on both sides below soft natural orange-gold hues which greatly add to the strong overall appearance. A few very shallow scuffs on Liberty’s neck serve as identification but the surfaces are far better than average for the date and the grade. If you are even a casual student of Carson City eagles, you are no doubt aware of the excellence of this coin’s overall appearance.

The most relevant APR for this specific coin is Battle Born: 110123--mentioned above--which realized $92,000. No PCGS AU55 has ever sold at auction and the last PCGS AU53 to sell at auction brought $58,750 back in 2014. An NGC AU55 realized $66,000 in the Heritage 2/18 sale.

This is an exceptionally important coin which is clearly a highlight of this collection and which is unlikely to be equaled.

CAC has approved 2 with none finer.

From the Northern California Collection and acquired via New York Gold Mart from Carter Numismatics in December 1999; earlier Bowers and Merena 10/99: 1538 ($32,200; as PCGS AU53), Harry Bass Collection, Superior 2/73: 707 ($2,200).

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