1871-CC Double Eagle Rarity to be Highlighted in Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction

The 1871-CC double eagle is one of the most significant rarities of the denomination struck at the Carson City Mint. The 17,387 coins produced at the Nevada facility that year were destined for immediate use in commerce in the West, where gold was the vastly preferred medium of exchange. Thanks to its somewhat remote location (compared to other population centers at the time), the coins were heavily used in local circulation for many years. There were essentially no numismatists in the region at the time, and nobody had the interest or wherewithal to set aside an example. Very few escaped extensive circulation, and when available at all, the 1871-CC is usually found damaged and heavily abraded. It is estimated that about 215 survive in all grades, many of which have problems that preclude numeric grading. Rusty Goe suggests there are between 100 and 135 in the EF to AU grade range. Next to the first year of issue 1870-CC, the 1871-CC is the rarest Carson City double eagle in all grades.

The piece we will be offering in the Summer Global Showcase Auction is appealing with tinges of pinkish-rose iridescence on warm honey-orange gold color. Both sides are lustrous for the grade with faint semi-prooflike qualities in contrast to an otherwise frosty finish. Only three examples exist graded finer by PCGS. This choice AU example represents a significant find for advanced numismatists seeking one of the early historic double eagles from this perennially popular western mint.

For more information about the Stack’s Bowers Galleries Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction visit StacksBowers.com. To consign your coins or paper money to one of our sales call 800-458-4646 or email [email protected].