1872-CC Double Eagle, NGC AU58. Just the slightest rub from circulation keep this coin out of a Mint State holder. All gold coins struck at the Carson City Mint are scarce, especially when in such a fine state of perseveration as the present offering.

The Carson City Mint in Nevada is one of the romantic Mints that struck federal US coins. The 2nd Mint in the western states, after the San Francisco Mint, it was opened and struck its first coins in early 1870. All issues, both silver and gold from the first years of production are scarce to very rare, and the 1872-CC is no exception.

A total of 29,650 double eagles were struck during the year, the highest Mintage of double eagles from this Mint up to that point. Deposits at the Carson City Mint rose steadily during the early 1870’s, yet most of it was paid out in gold certificates. The gold coins that were minted circulated heavily, as coin was scarce in commerce. As a result, most early Carson City coins are found in lower grades.

In his book “The Mint at Carson street”, Rusty Goe estimates that a total of 450 to 500 1872-CC double eagles are still known to exist. Q. David Bowers estimates a much lower number, between 250 to 350 in all grades. He considers this issue to be “Elusive in all grades, exceedingly rare in Mint State”. Finally, Douglas Winter calls this issue “rare in AU-58”, with only 2 or 3 true uncirculated coins known to exist.

Whatever the true number of survivors is, this is a premium quality example of this scarce issue. A strong strike, with slight weakness at the center is noted, as usual with these coins. All stars are fully struck, and the surfaces are free of any notable, big distractions common on these heave gold coins. Toned to a light yellow-orange color, this is an original survivor of this scarce, and popular gold coin from a fabled Mint.