1891-CC $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS AU53 (CAC)

Due to its extremely low mintage of 5,000, the 1891-CC double eagle is extremely rare in all grades and commands a significant premium. Most specimens are seen in the AU range. PCGS has graded 27 as AU53 with 100 finer. Collector’s Universe prices this issue at $45,000.00 in AU53. In CAC, there are 8 in AU53 with 29 finer. CAC gives this issue a price of $38,000.00 in AU53.

Doug Winter writes, "Unlike the Carson City half eagles and eagles of this date, the 1891-CC double eagle is a rare, low mintage issue. In fact, its original production of just 5,000 pieces is the second lowest for any Carson City double eagle, trailing only the 1870-CC."

Winter continues, "I have always regarded the 1891-CC as the sleeper issue in the Carson City Mint double eagle set and by virtue of its low mintage, the 1891-CC seems safely ensconced as the second rarest of the Big Five in terms of its overall rarity. This date didn’t see as much circulation as the other four ..."

The Carson City Mint, where this rare piece was produced in 1891. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.