1891-CC $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS XF45 (CAC)

Here’s a classic rarity from the Carson City Mint that will be a source of pride for many years to come. There was slight numismatic interest in double eagles overall, or branch mint examples in particular, in the year 1891. Consequently, few pieces were saved by contemporary numismatists and the 1891-CC is an elusive issue in higher grades today.

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." PCGS has graded 34 as XF45 with 148 finer. Collectors Universe gives this issue a price of $35,000.00. In CAC, there are 6 in XF45 with 29 finer.

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 rarity was produced in 1891. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.