1893-CC $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS MS61

This is a specimen to be prized, for it is representative of the last Double Eagle issue to emanate from the Carson City Mint. With its mintage of only 18,402, it is a rare issue. PCGS has graded 129 as MS61 with 181 finer. Collectors Universe prices this issue at $20,000.00 in MS61.

The 18,402 double eagles of 1893 were the last ever produced at the Carson City mint: "By direction of the secretary of the Treasury, coinage operations at the mint at Carson City was suspended on June 1, 1893." Why was there a need to close down this branch mint? The annual report of the Director of the Mint tells us, "The mint at Carson City being of limited capacity the expenses for coinage were much greater at Carson than at San Francisco."

Thus ended an exciting and romantic chapter in numismatic history. However, there are plenty of "CC" issues to collect and contemplate. Pick one up and take a close look at it. Then close your eyes for a minute and let yourself drift back in time. Can you hear the player piano, the clang of silver dollars? Can you smell the whiskey?

The storied Carson City Mint, where this rare piece was produced in 1893. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.