1875-CC Double Eagle (1875-CC $20) NGC MS62. Mint Error, Partial Collar. Mint luster gleams from this very pleasing branch mint 1875-CC Double Eagle, especially from the top of Liberty’s profile and hair and from within the devices on the reverse. Abrasions are relatively few for the grade and a couple of small scratches are seen on the obverse. Although double eagles of this date are usually severely bag-marked, this one is not. The strike is above average on the reverse and slightly weaker on the obverse. The coin was struck with a partial collar, an uncommon mint error for gold coinage in general and double eagles in particular. The 1875-CC comes in two varieties. The present coin has the CC of the mint mark closely spaced.

The other has the mint mark the width of a C apart. By 1875 the eagles minted were the Type 2. IN GOD WE TRUST was added to the slightly enlarged oval of stars above the eagle’s head on the reverse. This addition was a result of pressure brought about by the Reverend M.R. Watkinson, of Ridleyville, Pa. Congress insisted that the motto be added. Early in the 1870’s, the Carson City issues were limited. Bankers preferred to ship the bullion to San Francisco, claiming that the Carson City mint issued debased coins. Many CC coins of the era are seen with edge test marks because of this suspicion. (Of course, a mint state specimen, such as the present one, would have no test mark on it.) Since the coins of the mid 70’s were made from local oars, they didn’t have to be transported long distances.

The double eagle was minted as a result of the huge gold discoveries in California. It was felt that large domestic and international transactions would be facilitated by a larger coin. The two banners on either side of the shield symbolize the twenty dollar denomination. Mint Director Robert Patterson tried to use this time of transition as an opportunity to replace Longacre as Engraver. Longacre had obtained his position through John C. Calhoun, who was vice president under Quincy Adams and Jackson, and was hated by Patterson. Despite Patterson’s encouragement of harassment against him, Longacre prevailed and maintained his position.

A coin is made from a planchet or blank with a raised rim that is held in place by a collar as it is struck simultaneously by two dies, the anvil and the hammer. Sometimes a planchet is not secure in the collar when it is being struck. If it is elevated on one side, the result can be a partial collar. As on the present coin, the edge reeding is incomplete on this type of error. Unlike on a broadstruck coin, partial edge reeding is visible.