LIBERTY
HEAD "TWENTY DOLLARS" ON REVERSE (1877-1907)
1885-CC Double Eagle
1885-CC
Double Eagle or Carson City Double Eagles
PCGS
No:
9004
Circulation
strikes Mintage:
9,450
Proofs:
Unknown
Designer:
James Barton
Longacre
Diameter:
±34
millimeters
Metal
content:
Gold - 90%
Other - 10%
Weight:
±516
grains (±33.4 grams)
Edge:
Reeded
Mintmark:
"CC"
(for Carson City, NV) below the eagle's tail on
the reverse.
Introduction:
The 1885-CC Double Eagle issue is scarce; in fact,
it is one of the rarest Carson City Double Eagles
struck in the 1880s. A significant number of coins
were shipped overseas for international trade. Over
the years small groups of the 1885-CC double eagle
have surfaced from time to time. It has been reported
that a number of Uncirculated examples were discovered
in just the past few years. The date is still scarce
in Uncirculated condition, especially above MS-62. Key to Collecting: Examples are scarce
in all conditions. Most often seen are grades such
as EF ana AU, but on occasion a low-level Mint State
piece comes on the market. A key issue in everlastingly
strong demand. This coinage circulated extensively
in the West and also was used in the export trade. Aspects of Striking: Usually indifferently
struck with lack of detail. The reverse rim of this
issue is usuaJJi beveled, a curious situation, but
one that occurs now and then. Die Data: Standard four-digit logotype
punch for this year.
Number of Appearances:
108 (24%)
High Grade Condition Points: 55
Average Grade: EF-40
Auction Records: (14) Unc: B&R 8/80; New England
1/80; Ivy 7/79; Stack's 6/79; New England 4/78; AAA
6/76; ANA 1975; Stack's 11/12/74; Superior 10/74;
Gilhousen'1973; Stack's 6/72; Bell 1963; Menjou 1950;
WGC 1946
(27) AU:
Stack's 9/81; ANA 1979; Auction '79 (2); Kagin's 9/78;
New England 7/78, 11/77, 7/77; Pine Tree 6/75; Beck
1975; ANA 1974; AAA 11/73 (2); ANA 1971; Alto 1970;
Stack's 3/69, 1/69; Miles 1968; Stack's 5/68. 6/67,
4/67; Kreisberg4/67; Kosoff 10/65; Paramount 2/65;
Lee 1947; Atwater 1946; Bell 1944
(40) EF: Stack's 12/81; New England
10/81; Stack's 6/81; Kreisberg 9/80; Hughes 7/80;
New England 4/80, 11/79; Stack's 6/79 (2), 2/79, 6/78,
6/77; Ivy 4/77; Stack's 2/77; Ivy 12/76; ANA 1976;
Paramount 7/76; RARCOA 4-5/76; Stack's 4/76; GENA
1975; AAA 6/75; RARCOA 4/75; AAA I1/74;GENA 1974 (2);
Stack's 6/74; Pine Tree 3/74; Scanlon 1973; Stack's
2/73; Kreisberg/ Cohen 9/71; Stack's 4/71; Paramount
2/71 (2); Stack's 6/70; DiBello 1970; Stack's 1/70;
Kreisberg 11/65, 6/65; FUN 1963; Wolfson 1962
(25) VF: NASCA 4/80: Kreisberg/Cohen
10/79; Ivy 4/78, 7/77; Paramount 4/77, T/77, 2/76;
Coin Galleries 11/75;. New England 11/75; Paramount
11/75; ANA 1975; Stack's 4/30/75; Merkin 9/74; ANA
1974; Pine Tree 3/74; AAA 11/73; Kreisberg/Cohen 11/70;
Merkin 6/70; ANA 1968; Shuford 1968; Paramount 5/66,
3/66; ANA 1946; Melish 1956; Farouk 1954.
(2) Fine: Stack's 10/66; ANA 1956
Comments: This date ranks in the top third of all Carson
City Mint Double Eagles in terms of overall rarity.
It is only a little less rare as a date than the 1878-CC
and 1879-CC but it is decidedly more "common"
than either in high grade, i.e. AU or Unc. When available,
the 1885-CC is typically EF although a number of VF
specimens also exist. AU's are also seen from time
to time but in full mint state the 1885-CC is definitely
rare. I have seen a few Unc-60 specimens as well as
a couple of choice Unc. examples but I have never
seen or heard of a real gem.
