1871-CC $20 Double Eagle, NGC AU55. The 1871-CC double eagle was struck during the second year of operations at the Carson City Mint. It has a mintage and survival rate of approximately four times as much as the first year of issue, the legendary 1870-CC. Yet, it is still ranked as the second rarest double eagle from the famed Mint in Nevada, and examples are in demand in any state of preservation.

Of the mintage of 17,387 pieces, approximately two hundred 1871-CC double eagles survive in all grades. The majority spent their first years circulating in Nevada, and show wear and other signs from heavy circulation. About Uncirculated pieces are extremely scarce, and uncirculated pieces are true rarity of the highest order, being the oldest Carson City double eagles known in uncirculated condition.

Coins minted at both western Mints, San Francisco and Carson City, usually come well circulated, damaged or with other problems due to heavy usage. This is unlike the situation with coins that were made and circulated in the eastern states, the Philadelphia Mint. Those were soon hoarded, and coins were virtually nowhere to be seen in general commerce. The need of circulating money was filled by circulating paper money, from low to high denominations. Those circulated heavily and are relatively common today in just about any grade.

In the west, the situation was completely the opposite. On the frontier, life was hard and tough. Costs of living were considerably higher, there were many dangerous factors and there was an overall loneliness among the people who came from the eastern states, far away. Because of these reasons, people from California and Nevada distrusted paper money and relied on precious metals like gold and silver. As such, coins were abundant in circulation and paper money was nowhere to be found.

Although the present coin has spent some time in circulation, it still has a fresh look and lots of luster remains on both sides. The coin is sharply defined, except for the highest points which have some amount of wear consistent with the grade. The fields are relatively free of marks, and virtually not a single deep mark is found on either side. A rare opportunity for the specialist, this coin is sure to please any collector of $20 gold pieces or Carson City coins.