SCARCE LOW MINTAGE 1879-CC DOUBLE EAGLE

The 1879-CC is a popular low mintage date with just 10,708 pieces made for circulation. As with the similar 1878-CC, this date was used extensively in local commerce and the typical survivor is seen in EF and the lower AU grades, usually with extensive abrasions and a decidedly non-original appearance.

This is the first 1879-CC I have offered for sale in over two years and it is pleasing for the date and grade. It shows natural light yellow and green-gold color with a sufficient amount of soft, satiny luster to merit the assigned grade. The surfaces lack the deep abrasions seen on most 1879-CC double eagles and the reverse, viewed by itself, grades a full AU55.

Only one PCGS AU53 1879-CC has sold at auction since April 2012 and it realized $15,275 as Stacks Bowers 3/14: 4114. An NGC AU53 realized $18,500 as Heritage 3/14: 30463. Neither was approved by CAC.

If you are an advanced collector of Carson City double eagles, you are aware that this date is very hard to locate in AU53 and higher grades, especially in a PCGS holder.