1873-CC Liberty Head Eagle. Winter 2-A. Die State I. EF-45 (PCGS).

Here is a lovely example of this highly elusive Carson City Mint issue. The medium gold surfaces display tinges of reddish-rose and plenty of mint luster in the deepest recesses. Striking detail is well balanced and quite bold for the issue, with most features sharp despite the fact that this coin has seen light commercial use. We note only small, wispy handling marks, none of which are worthy of individual attention. At just 4,543 coins produced the 1873-CC has the fourth lowest mintage in the entire Carson City Mint eagle series and is one of the rarest issues in this group. Numismatic scholars generally agree that fewer than 100 examples have survived in all grades, making this a prime numismatic rarity. Exactly how many is a matter of contention, however, as indicated by the following estimates: Q. David Bowers, 50 (2012); Doug Winter, 55 to 65 (2001); PCGS CoinFacts, 60 to 80; Rusty Goe, 65 to 85 (2020). With circulation extensive in the American West and no known contemporary numismatic interest in Carson City Mint gold coins, most grade VF or lower and, in fact, no Mint State coins are known. This attractive Choice EF example, with an impressive provenance to the Harry W. Bass Collection, will certainly attract a lot of attention when it crosses the auction block.

PCGS# 8667. NGC ID: 2655.

PCGS Population: 12; 20 finer (AU-58 finest). There are also no Mint State examples certified by NGC; the finest graded at NGC is also AU-58.

Ex William Donner, February 20, 1968; Harry W. Bass, Jr.; our (Bowers and Merena's) sale of the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part II, October 1999, lot 1539.

Estimate: $ 30000