1879-CC $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle NGC AU58

Here’s a fantastic coin for the specialist in Carson City gold to add to his or her collection. The 1879-CC saw extensive circulation in the Old West. However, this example is in a high AU grade, which suggests that a collector snatched it from the wheels of commerce for safe keeping. Only 10,708 double eagles were struck that year at the Carson City Mint. NGC has graded 53 specimens as AU58 with just 10 finer. The finest at NGC is a single MS62. Therefore, this offering from AUCM is near the top of the graded population at NGC. Collectors Universe gives it a price of $45,000.00 in AU58.

The Carson City Mint, where this rare piece was produced in 1879. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

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 recently been extracted from the earth of the Old West.

During the different gold rushes in the West, and for many years afterwards, paper money was contemptuously disparaged. That attitude made gold coins vital in day-to-day business transactions, and they became the accepted method of payment in the Old West. That is why so many Carson City double eagles are found in relatively low grades today in the 21st century. 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 Wild West, the Comstock Lode, and the Carson City Mint.