The 1879-CC Eagle ($10 gold coin) is one of the most intriguing and sought-after Carson City Mint issues. Known for its low mintage, rarity in high grades, and historical significance, this coin is a key date for collectors of Liberty Head Eagles. The Condition Census, a term used to describe the finest known examples of a particular coin, for the 1879-CC Eagle is an ongoing topic of debate due to the extreme scarcity of high-grade specimens.
The Historical Background of the 1879-CC Eagle
The Carson City Mint produced gold coins from 1870 to 1893, primarily for use in the American West. The 1879-CC Eagle had a remarkably low mintage of 1,762 coins, making it one of the rarest $10 Liberty Head Eagles from this mint. Unlike its counterparts from Philadelphia or San Francisco, many 1879-CC Eagles entered circulation and were heavily used in commerce, resulting in extreme wear.
Another factor contributing to its rarity is that few examples were set aside by collectors or hoarders at the time. Unlike some other Carson City gold coins that were stored in bank reserves, nearly all 1879-CC Eagles were lost to circulation or melted down over time.
Condition Census and Surviving Examples
A Condition Census lists the finest known examples of a coin. For the 1879-CC Eagle, finding an uncirculated specimen is nearly impossible. The majority of surviving examples are in Very Fine (VF) to Extremely Fine (EF) condition, with only a handful reaching About Uncirculated (AU) grades.
The finest certified specimens include:
- NGC AU55 – One of the highest-graded examples known.
- PCGS AU53 – A top-ranking coin with strong luster despite slight wear.
- NGC AU50 – Several examples exist in this grade, but they remain extremely scarce.
No Mint State (MS) examples have been confirmed, making it a true challenge for collectors seeking high-grade Carson City gold.
What Makes the 1879-CC Eagle So Elusive?
1. Low Mintage and Circulation Wear
With only 1,762 coins struck, the 1879-CC Eagle had one of the lowest productions of any Carson City $10 gold piece. Almost all of them entered circulation, where they suffered extensive wear.
2. No Known Hoards or Large Discoveries
Unlike some Carson City silver dollars that were stored in vaults, no known hoards of 1879-CC Eagles have been discovered. Each surviving coin is an individual rarity.
3. High Collector Demand
Collectors specializing in Carson City gold coins seek this date due to its extreme scarcity and significance in numismatic history. Even low-grade examples command high premiums at auction.
Market Value and Collecting Trends
Due to its rarity, even well-worn examples can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. Recent sales include:
- VF30 to EF40 examples selling for $30,000 to $50,000.
- AU50 to AU55 examples reaching $100,000 or more.
The 1879-CC Eagle remains a “must-have” for serious collectors of Carson City coinage, despite the extreme difficulty in finding a well-preserved piece.
Conclusion
The 1879-CC Eagle stands as one of the great challenges in American numismatics. With no known Mint State examples and only a handful of AU survivors, it continues to captivate collectors and historians. Any well-preserved example of this coin is a true prize, making it a centerpiece in high-end gold collections.
FAQs
1. Why is the 1879-CC Eagle so rare?
The low mintage of 1,762 coins and heavy circulation resulted in very few surviving high-grade examples.
2. Are there any Mint State 1879-CC Eagles?
No confirmed Mint State (MS) examples exist. The highest graded pieces are AU55.
3. How much is an 1879-CC Eagle worth today?
Prices vary, but even low-grade examples can fetch $30,000 or more, while AU coins exceed $100,000 at auction.