Heritage World Coin Auctions
FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
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Liberty Double Eagles
1877-CC $20 MS62 PCGS. Variety 1-A. The design of the double eagle was slightly modified in 1877 by spelling out the denomination TWENTY DOLLARS on the reverse, rather than the abbreviated TWENTY D. of former years. The new design, known as the Type Three Liberty double eagle to present-day collectors, represents the only major design modification of U.S. gold coinage that took place during the years the Carson City Mint was operational.
Only 42,565 Liberty double eagles were struck at Carson City in 1877, a much smaller production total than those of the previous three years. Accordingly, the 1877-CC is more difficult to locate than the 1874-CC, 1875-CC, and 1876-CC, both in terms of overall and high-grade rarity. Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth cover the situation thoroughly in their Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins:
"Finding an example of the 1877-CC double eagle in grades of Very Fine to About Uncirculated is not too difficult. Many found their way into overseas shipments, and in recent decades significant numbers have surfaced. The coins were transferred in bags, and the average surviving piece is heavily abraded. Mint State examples are scarce, and just a few are known at the choice level."
Doug Winter estimates the surviving population at 500-600 examples in all grades, and the 1877-CC is very rare in grades above MS60. Currently, PCGS has graded six coins in MS62, with none finer, while NGC has certified only five specimens at that grade level, also with none finer (10/16).
The present coin is a splendid MS62 example that combines the highest available technical quality with vivid orange-gold surfaces and vibrant mint luster that give this piece outstanding eye appeal. The design elements are well-detailed, with the hair above the brow showing a trace of the typical softness and some star centers without full radials. The surfaces are lightly marked, aside from a few small, grade-defining gouges on the reverse, below the circle of stars. We expect intense competition from series specialists and Registry Set enthusiasts when this lot is called.
From The Renz Family Collection of $20 Gold Coins.
1877-CC $20 MS62 PCGS. Variety 1-A. The design of the double eagle was slightly modified in 1877 by spelling out the denomination TWENTY DOLLARS on the reverse, rather than the abbreviated TWENTY D. of former years. The new design, known as the Type Three Liberty double eagle to present-day collectors, represents the only major design modification of U.S. gold coinage that took place during the years the Carson City Mint was operational.
Only 42,565 Liberty double eagles were struck at Carson City in 1877, a much smaller production total than those of the previous three years. Accordingly, the 1877-CC is more difficult to locate than the 1874-CC, 1875-CC, and 1876-CC, both in terms of overall and high-grade rarity. Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth cover the situation thoroughly in their Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins:
"Finding an example of the 1877-CC double eagle in grades of Very Fine to About Uncirculated is not too difficult. Many found their way into overseas shipments, and in recent decades significant numbers have surfaced. The coins were transferred in bags, and the average surviving piece is heavily abraded. Mint State examples are scarce, and just a few are known at the choice level."
Doug Winter estimates the surviving population at 500-600 examples in all grades, and the 1877-CC is very rare in grades above MS60. Currently, PCGS has graded six coins in MS62, with none finer, while NGC has certified only five specimens at that grade level, also with none finer (10/16).
The present coin is a splendid MS62 example that combines the highest available technical quality with vivid orange-gold surfaces and vibrant mint luster that give this piece outstanding eye appeal. The design elements are well-detailed, with the hair above the brow showing a trace of the typical softness and some star centers without full radials. The surfaces are lightly marked, aside from a few small, grade-defining gouges on the reverse, below the circle of stars. We expect intense competition from series specialists and Registry Set enthusiasts when this lot is called.
From The Renz Family Collection of $20 Gold Coins.