This rare early date Carson City eagle has a surviving population of around 75-85 coins from an original mintage of just 4,600. It is mostly seen in the VF35 to EF45 range but almost never with choice surfaces and original color.

This is the second nice 1872-CC which I have offered in 2015 and this example is very close in quality to the last (PCGS AU50)one. This example has extremely clean, evenly worn surfaces which are smooth and essentially mark-free. The color is a natural dusky green-gold with some deeper color at the border as well as scattered pockets of dirt in the recesses. The strike is sharp and the overall eye appeal is excellent. It would be hard to imagine a nicer 1872-CC eagle in a 45 holder.

Only five EF45 1872-CC eagles have sold at auction since the beginning of 2006. The last one, pedigreed to the Eliasberg collection and in a PCGS holder, brought a strong $20,700.

If you specialize in Carson City gold coinage, you know how hard it is to find a really cosmetic 1872-CC eagle!

CAC has approved one in this grade with five finer. Another EF45 coin which was previously approved by CAC (HA 3/10: 2449) is no longer approved by this service, likely due to its inferior quality for the grade.