The 1879-CC is tied with the 1878-CC for honors as the fourth scarcest double eagle from this mint but it is harder to find in higher grades and it trails just the 1870-CC and 1871-CC in Mint State. There are probably no more than eight to ten known in Uncirculated and just two or three have been seen at the MS62 level with none finer.

This fresh, original example is notable for its very clean surfaces and its natural rose and green-gold colors. As is typical for this date, the luster is not “booming” but, rather, it is slightly subdued with a somewhat grainy texture. The exceptional surfaces of this piece suggest that it was carefully put aside after it was struck and, perhaps, it was stored in an old coin cabinet where it was protected from marks or handling.

There hasn’t been a PCGS MS61 example of this date sold at auction since Bowers and Merena 3/09: 3950 which brought $36,800 in a market which was far less appreciative of Condition Census CC double eagles than today’s environment. Since 1995, there have been just three slabbed MS61 examples of the 1879-CC sold at auction. Battle Born: 11048, graded MS62 and approved by CAC sold for $74,750 last summer which is the high water mark for this date.

This is one of the more important Carson City double eagles to come on the market so far this year and it will become an imporetant addition to an advanced set.