1879-CC $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS AU58

A Carson City $20 in AU58 is a treasure that would make a numismatist proud to possess, especially one with a mintage of 10,798. This example of an 1879-CC Double Eagle was possibly taken out of circulation in 1879 or 1880 by a collector.

Take a look at the images of this piece, with its golden yellow coloration. It is a real beauty! PCGS has certified and graded only 298 examples of this issue. Of those, there are 22 that carry the grade of AU58 with 11 finer. Collectors Universe gives this issue a price of $45,000 in AU58.

The Carson City Mint, where this specimen was struck in 1879. Photo: wikipedia.

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 been extracted from the earth of the 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. More than most other Liberty head $20 gold pieces, those from the Carson City Mint remain popular and have grown exponentially in value over the years. Among the reasons for this is the romance associated with the Old West and the Carson City Mint.