1876-CC $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS AU55 Ex. Rive d'Or Collection

Note: This coin has not been sent to CAC for review and possible endorsement by AUCM.

Here’s a great candidate for a gold type coin to add to your numismatic holdings. Such gold coins circulated in the Old West, and the AU55 grade attests to that. But that is part of the rich history of Carson City $20s.

PCGS has graded 234 as AU55 with 830 finer. It is interesting to note that the highest grade given this issue by PCGS is MS62, pointing to 1876-CCs going straight into circulation in the West. It also tells us that not one piece was set aside before they went into circulation. Collectors Universe gives a price of $8,000.00 to this issue in AU55.

The Carson City Mint, where this great type coin was struck in 1876.

The Double Eagles that emanated from the Carson City Mint served two basic functions: a circulating instrument of commerce and a storehouse of value. The big $20 gold coins were the easiest way to mint, transport and trade the great amount of gold that had recently been extracted from the earth from the gold mines of the Old West. During the different gold rushes in the West, and for many years afterwards, paper money was contemptuously derided. That attitude made gold coins important in day-to-day business transactions, and they became the accepted method of payment in the Old West.