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$20 Gold
I
MPRESSSIVE
1870-CC D
OUBLE
E
AGLE
Enlargement
2097
1870-CC
.
NGC graded AU Details, Improperly Cleaned.
The first coins to bear the distinguishing "CC" mintmark of the Carson City,
Nevada Mint were struck in 1870. Featured were quarters, half dollars, silver dollars, half eagles, eagles, and double eagles (the first dimes
would be forthcoming in 1871). All 1870-CC issues are rare, key-date coins in their respective series, but the '70-CC double eagle stands out
as a particularly central issue even in this highly select group. Rivaling only the 1870-CC eagle for this honor, the 1870-CC $20 is widely
regarded as the rarest gold coin struck in the Carson City Mint. It is an important offering at all grade levels and one that is always greeted
with considerable fanfare of approval when offered either through auction or for private treaty purchase.
Treasury Department records indicate that only 3,789 double eagles were struck in Carson City during 1870, and most of those coins have
since been lost. Writing in 2001 (Gold Coins of the Carson City Mint), Douglas Winter and James L. Halperin account for just 35-45 survivors
in all grades. The authors further state that there are no Mint State examples known to exist.
As the leading highlight, the present 1870-CC twenty dollar is also among the most prestigious coins an collector could own. And as a long-
hidden example of this very rare issue, it is a piece that is sure to have no difficulty finding its way into another world-class portfolio of gold
rarities. This specimen is well struck with plenty of detail save for the diagnostically soft stars surrounding the obverse. A normal allotment of
marks and abrasions have collected on each side, these being typical of most Carson City gold issues, although for purposes of future prove-
nance research we point to a diagonal mark on Liberty's cheek ending at her ear. The yellow-gold surfaces have probably been cleaned at one
time (as indicated by NGC), however, this is not an overly detracting factor. Close examination still reveals traces of mint luster in selected pro-
tected areas of the design. This high grade example represents the classic Carson City double eagle gold rarity. (
PCGS # 8958
)
Estimated Value ..................................................................................................................................................................$100,000-UP
Ex: Purchased from Abner Kreisberg in the early 1970's The Del Valle Collection.
2098
1870-S
.
NGC graded EF-45
. Honey-golden color with hints of
red-orange in selected recesses. Typical wear for the assigned
grade with no mentionable marks. (
PCGS # 8959
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$1,500 - 1,600
2099
1871-S
.
PCGS graded EF-45
. Subdued yellow-gold with a
few marks confined to the obverse. (
PCGS # 8962
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$1,600 - 1,700
