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The 1875-CC $20 Gold Liberty coin, graded in XF-AU (Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated) condition, is a prized piece of U.S. numismatic history. Part of the iconic Liberty Head or “Double Eagle” series, which was minted from 1849 to 1907, this coin is especially notable because it was produced at the Carson City Mint, one of the most famous and storied mints in U.S. history. The Carson City Mint’s output was much smaller than the larger mints in Philadelphia and San Francisco, and its coins are highly sought after by collectors today. The 1875-CC $20 Gold Liberty is a particularly scarce date from the Carson City Mint, and in high grades such as XF-AU, it represents both historical significance and rarity, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
The obverse of the 1875-CC $20 Gold Liberty features the classical Liberty Head design, created by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint at the time. Liberty is depicted in profile, facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Her hair is tied in a bun, with flowing curls cascading down her neck. Thirteen stars, representing the original thirteen colonies, encircle her head, and the date "1875" is inscribed at the bottom. In XF-AU condition, the details of Liberty’s portrait remain sharp, though slight wear may be visible on the highest points, such as her hair and the coronet. The stars around her head and the date are typically well-defined, and the overall design is still crisp, with much of the original luster remaining, especially in the AU grade range.
The reverse of the 1875-CC $20 Gold Liberty is equally impressive, featuring the Great Seal of the United States. An eagle with outstretched wings holds an olive branch in one talon and a bundle of arrows in the other, symbolizing the nation’s readiness for both peace and war. Above the eagle’s head is a banner with the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," which was added to the design in 1866. Surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination "TWENTY D." The "CC" mint mark, indicating that the coin was struck at the Carson City Mint, is prominently displayed below the eagle. In XF-AU condition, the eagle’s feathers, particularly on the wings and body, may show slight wear, but the overall design remains well-preserved. The details of the olive branch, arrows, and shield are still clear, and the coin retains much of its original detail and eye appeal.
The Carson City Mint, where this 1875-CC $20 Gold Liberty was produced, was established in 1870 to serve the booming mining industry of the American West, particularly the rich silver and gold deposits of the Comstock Lode in Nevada. The Carson City Mint operated intermittently until 1893, and during its years of operation, it produced a relatively small quantity of coins compared to the larger mints in Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco. The "CC" mint mark has become synonymous with rarity and desirability among collectors, as Carson City coins are often scarcer than their counterparts from other mints. The 1875-CC $20 Gold Liberty is a prime example of this, with its limited mintage and association with the Wild West era adding to its allure.
The mintage of the 1875-CC $20 Gold Liberty was only 111,151 coins, making it one of the scarcer dates in the series. While this number may seem relatively high, many of these coins were lost, melted down, or heavily circulated, leaving only a small number of surviving examples in collectible condition. Coins that remain in XF-AU condition are especially rare, as the $20 gold pieces were primarily used in large transactions and often saw significant wear over time. The low mintage, combined with the high demand for Carson City gold coins, makes the 1875-CC $20 Gold Liberty a valuable and highly sought-after coin for collectors.
In XF-AU condition, the 1875-CC $20 Gold Liberty shows only moderate wear, with much of the original detail still intact. The high points of the design, such as Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s wings, may show some smoothing from circulation, but the overall sharpness of the design remains. The coin retains much of its original luster, particularly in protected areas, and its eye appeal is still strong. The presence of the "CC" mint mark further enhances its desirability, as Carson City coins are known for their scarcity and historical significance. For collectors of U.S. gold coins, especially those from the Wild West era, the 1875-CC $20 Gold Liberty is a must-have piece.
The 1875-CC $20 Gold Liberty in XF-AU condition is an extraordinary example of 19th-century U.S. coinage, combining beautiful design, historical significance, and scarcity. As one of the rarer dates from the Carson City Mint, it holds a special place in the hearts of collectors who appreciate the history of the American West and the importance of the Carson City Mint in U.S. coinage history. The Liberty Head design, with its classical elegance and symbolism, remains one of the most beloved in U.S. numismatics, and the 1875-CC issue is a standout within the series. With its combination of rarity, condition, and historical value, this coin is a true treasure for any collector of U.S. gold coins.