Among the Type Two double eagles from this mint, the 1873-CC compares favorably to the 1872-CC in terms of overall rarity but it is slightly more available in higher grades. That said, the 1873-CC is scarce in properly graded AU53 to AU55 and rare in AU58, especially with original color and surfaces.

This fresh-to-the-market example has an interesting backstory. It walked in, raw, to a coin store in the South where it was purchased and then sent off for grading. I was able to buy it directly from the coin shop owner and I was immediately taken by the appearance of this coin. I’m going to go out on a limb here and sate (gulp….) that this is the single nicest AU58 1873-CC $20 in existence. It is a perfect Gem Slider with virtually no wear, immaculate surfaces and lovely rich natural golden-orange color.

The last PCGS AU58 1873-CC double eagle to sell at auction realized $32,900 as Stacks 8/14: 13263. A non-CAC NGC AU58 brought $41,125 as Heritage 3/14: 30443. The present example is nicer than either of these.

If you are a serious collector of CC double eagles and you don’t feel like spending the $65,000+ it will take to acquire a PCGS/CAC MS61, this is the coin you want to purchase.

CAC has approved six in this grade with none finer.