1871-CC $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS XF45

Helpful PCGS XF45 Price Information:

Collector's Universe: $70,000.

Coin Dealer Newsletter: $46,000.

Relevant auction records (average $49,052): 

• 09/2024: Kunker @ $50,847 approx ($42,373 hammer) (#49943365)
• 08/2024: HA @ $39,600. (#34690842) "...a number of roller marks on the obverse"
• 05/2023: HA @ $52,800. Ex. Rian's Bequest (#42823989)
• 01/2022: HA @ $57,600. Rian's Bequest (#42823989)
• 01/2020: HA @ $44,413. The "So-Cal" Collection

Here’s a classic rarity—with a mintage of only 17,387—from the storied Carson City Mint. This piece will surely find a good home in the collection of a sophisticated specialist. Don’t let this unique opportunity provided by AU Capital Management get away!

Ron Guth writes in PCGS Coinfacts: “The 1871-CC $20 is decidedly rare and it ranks as one of the most popular dates in the series. Among the Carson City $20's, it is second only to the legendary 1870-CC. Collectors will have a tough time finding an 1871-CC $20 in AU or better conditions. In Mint State, the 1871-CC is exceedingly rare.” PCGS has graded 50 as XF45 with 44 finer. Collectors Universe prices this issue at $70,000.00 in XF45.

The Carson City Mint, where this rarity was struck in 1871. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Gold specialist David Akers writes, “Compared to all other twenties, the 1871-CC ranks in the top 15% of the series in overall rarity and it is tied for first place in rarity according to average grade.”  There was modest numismatic interest in Liberty head double eagles overall, and branch mint issues in particular in 1871. Plus, gold coins from the Carson City Mint were used in commerce in the Old West, both in day to day commerce and bank transactions. Research tells us that there are only 155-220 survivors of the 1871-CC twenty.