Auction #Rich1 > Lot #2288 > U.S. Coins > $20 Liberty Gold 1870-CC $20 NGC AU50 DLRC #: 86964

Pleasing pinkish-gold colors, with hints of green undertones. Struck from mis-aligned dies, with weakness on the left side of the obverse and the corresponding area on the reverse (this characteristic is considered to be diagnostic on all genuine specimens).

The 1870-CC is a classic gold rarity...

Pleasing pinkish-gold colors, with hints of green undertones. Struck from mis-aligned dies, with weakness on the left side of the obverse and the corresponding area on the reverse (this characteristic is considered to be diagnostic on all genuine specimens). Light friction on the high points and no noticeable or distractive circulation marks. A distinctive, yet natural, planchet void (as made) appears in the motto on the reverse, affecting the ST of TRUST and the two stars below.

The 1870-CC is a classic gold rarity. Doug Winter and Mike Fuljenz, authors of "Type Two Double Eagles 1866-1876", have this to say about this important date: "The 1870-CC double eagle holds a number of important distinctions. It is the rarest and most valuable Type Two double eagle. It is the most famous and desirable gold coin struck at the Carson City Mint. And, it is the most difficult Type Two double eagle to locate in premium quality grades...The sales records of 1870-CC double eagles are as distinctive as their strike and appearance. Generally, this date becomes available in spurts. Two or three pieces will come onto the market, eventually to be absorbed, and then disappear for many years. Then, it becomes nearly impossible to find a piece for sale. Nearly every example of this date is owned by a serious collector and these coins trade far less frequently than pieces owned by investors or dealers."

NGC reports only 3 at the AU-50 and only 1 at the AU-55 level. PCGS shows 3 at the AU-50 level, 1 at the AU-53 level, and none finer. Thus, this example is tied with five others (some of which may be resubmissions) as third finest of the date.

As with the 1854-O and 1856-O "Twenties", prices for the 1870-CC have advanced rapidly in just the past year or two. A record price for the date was set in January 2004, when Heritage sold an NGC AU-53 for $368,000! That coin was better struck on both sides, but the obverse was baggier than the one offered here and it also had a heavy mark on the lower rim on the reverse.

DLRC Star/Eye Appeal Rating: [1]

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