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Description

Challenging 1871-CC Dime, MS62
One of the Top Half-Dozen Graded

1871-CC 10C MS62 NGC. A small mintage of 20,100 dimes was accomplished at the Carson City Mint in 1871, the first year the denomination was coined at the fabled facility. Only one die pair is known for this date. In The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Dimes, author Brian Greer reports on the 1871-CC:

"A very scarce date that is one of the keys to the series. Slightly tougher than the 1873-CC in G-VF, but slightly more available in XF or better. Problem-free examples are at least R5. Excessively rare in mint state. ... High grade examples will generally be well struck."


A widespread indifference to mintmarks pervaded American numismatics in the third quarter of the 19th century, with even prominent coin dealer Edward Cogan once attributing a coin from the Dahlonega Mint incorrectly. Most collectors were content to save one specimen of each date for their collection, without regard for mint of origin. It was not until Augustus Heaton published Coinage of the United States Branch Mints in 1893 that numismatists began to collect coins from the branch facilities systematically. By that time, the supply of Mint State 1871-CC dimes had long been exhausted.
Auction appearances of the 1871-CC dime were rare in the 19th century. One early appearance was in the New Jersey Sale (Frossard, 3/1898), lot 811. The coin offered on that occasion was a typical, well-worn piece described as "1871 C.C. mint. First year of issue. Fair, rare." The lot was purchased by John M. Clapp, one of the few collectors of the period who did value branch mint issues.
The present coin is one of the top half-dozen specimens certified of this key date. The strike is full, with crisp detail present on all central devices and peripheral elements strongly impressed. The surfaces are accented by mottled light gray and rose patina. No marks are visible with the unaided eye. A lens reveals only a few light obverse hairlines that are difficult to detect under the medium toning. Census: 2 in 62, 2 finer (6/10).(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 23A5, PCGS# 4654, GSID# 4120)

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight: 2.49 grams
ASW: 0.07205oz
Mintage: 20,100


View Certification Details from NGC

The Confident Carson City Coin Collector
by Rusty Goe

The Carson City Mint’s celebrated legacy — replete with landmark achievements, setbacks, mysteries and tall tales — is covered in exacting detail in Goe’s three-volume set.

Auction Info

Auction Dates
August, 2010
11th-15th Wednesday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 16
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 941

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
15% of the successful bid per lot.

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