The 1872-CC double eagle is most comparable in rarity to the 1873-CC. Both dates are seen in grades up to AU53 but are very scarce in the higher AU range and very rare in Uncirculated. I have seen fewer nice 1872-CC double eagles than 1873-CC and even fewer in AU58 that were choice and original.

This is one of the choicest, most original examples of this date that I have seen. It has never been dipped or lightened and it appears to have nothing in the way of actual wear; just some minor friction from “bag rub” incurred when being shipped, loose, from the mint to a bank. The color is a pleasing even light orange-gold which is correct for the issue and both sides have a good amount of natural luster. There are some minor abrasions on both sides but if you know this date, you realize that the surfaces are far more choice than usual.

There have been just two PCGS AU58 1872-CC double eagles sold at auction in the last two years and a total of five since early 2009. In Uncirculated, auction appearances are far and few between with no MS60′s since 2008 and no 61′s since 2005.

I bought this coin in an old AU58 holder and when I resubmitted it, I hoped to have it grade AU58+ as I believe it is truly choice for the date and grade. Given the fact that properly graded 58′s are available at a rate of about one per year, I’d say this is a pretty important opportunity for the advanced collector of CC double eagles to step up and acquire one of the best examples of this popular date to come on the market in some time.