1871-CC $20 AU50 NGC....

Description

Scarce 1871-CC Twenty Dollar, AU50

1871-CC $20 AU50 NGC. For collectors today, the CC mintmark carries an undeniable appeal. Carson City's website (www.carson-city.nv.us) gives an appropriate summary: "All of these coins, whatever their rarity or market value, carry romantic associations with the Old West and the great bonanza years of the late 19th century." Discovery of silver and gold deposits, including the well-known Comstock Lode, encouraged local mine owners, abetted by Carson City founder Abraham Curry, to petition Congress for a Nevada branch mint in the early 1860s. Mint Director James Pollock's objections were ignored; Congress approved the Carson City Mint in 1863. Delay caused by the Civil War pushed coin production back to 1870. Even after the commencement of Carson City coinage, the mint's raison d'être was in jeopardy. Breen (1988) notes that "authorities and bankers preferred to ship bullion to San Francisco, alleging lower cost ... but their real reasons had to do with who would get the coveted contracts for transporting ores and finished coins." Falling silver prices and allegations of fraud combined with political maneuvering to end Carson City's Mint status in 1899.
The present example represents the second year of double eagle production at Carson City, and though 17,387 coins were minted in 1871, it is a scarce issue. As Garrett and Guth (2006) note, "By a large margin, the 1871-CC double eagle is the second-rarest Carson City issue. The mintage is small, and most of the production was destined for circulation in Nevada and the surrounding areas. Circulation is the key word, as most of the coins found of this issue are well worn and heavily bagmarked. ... The 1871-CC double eagle is scarce in Extremely Fine and About Uncirculated condition."
The lustrous honey-gold surfaces of this coin are accented by a blush of rose and occasional carmine highlights nearly hidden along the edges of the devices. Despite a brief trip through the pockets and cash drawers of commerce, wear is uniform, and there are no significant marks or spots. This is a wonderful Carson City double eagle, perfect for the advanced gold collection.(Registry values: N1793)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26AB, PCGS# 8961, GSID# 9913)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 33.44 grams
AGW: 1.06oz
Mintage: 17,387

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

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