Rare coins often carry fascinating histories, making them valuable to collectors. Heritage Auctions is gearing up for an exciting event featuring standout lots, including two rare Coronet gold $20 double eagles. This event, part of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) Platinum Night auctions, will take place from August 13 to 18 at Heritage’s Dallas headquarters, with coin viewing opportunities at the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Chicago from August 6 to 10.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | 1870-CC $20 Double Eagle |
| Mint Location | Carson City Mint |
| Mintage | 3,789 coins |
| Survival Rate | Approximately 65 coins exist today in all grades |
| Grade | Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) Extremely Fine 45 |
| Surface Details | Light wear, sharp reverse, minor abrasions |
| Historical Significance | Minted during the Nevada Gold Rush era at Carson City |
| Previous Auction Price | A similarly graded example sold for $384,000 in April 2021 |
| Auction Dates | August 13-18, 2024 |
| Viewing Location | ANA World’s Fair of Money, Chicago, August 6-10, 2024 |
What Are Coronet Gold $20 Double Eagles?
The Coronet gold $20 double eagle is a classic U.S. coin design that captures the attention of coin collectors worldwide. Here’s why the two featured coins are so special:
- The 1870-CC $20 Double Eagle
- Origin: Carson City Mint
- Mintage: Just 3,789 coins
- Survival Rate: Experts estimate only 65 examples exist today in all grades.
- Condition: The featured coin is graded Extremely Fine 45 by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC). It showcases light wear, a sharper reverse than obverse, and beautiful orange-gold surfaces.
- Historical Context
- Coins minted at Carson City hold a special place in history due to their rarity and connection to the Nevada Gold Rush era.
- Collectors prize these coins for their craftsmanship and scarcity.
Why Is This Auction Important?
Heritage Auctions, a trusted name in the numismatic community, is an ANA Event Auctioneer Partner. The event offers collectors a chance to own some of the rarest U.S. coins. Highlights include:
- Opportunity to View the Coins
- Dates: August 6 to 10 at the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Chicago.
- Experience: In-person viewing allows collectors to appreciate the fine details and craftsmanship.
- Auction Dates and Venue
- Main Auction: August 13 to 18.
- Location: Heritage’s headquarters in Dallas, Texas.
The Value of the 1870-CC $20 Double Eagle
This particular coin’s rarity and condition make it a prized item. For reference:
- In April 2021, a similarly graded 1870-CC double eagle sold for $384,000.
- Rusty Goe, a noted numismatic expert, highlights the coin’s historical significance and rarity in his book The Confident Carson City Collector.
A Look at Numismatic Grading
Understanding coin grading helps collectors determine value:
- Grading Scale: Coins are graded on a 70-point scale, with higher numbers indicating better preservation.
- Extremely Fine (EF) 45: Coins at this grade show light wear but retain strong design details.
- What Makes This Coin Stand Out: Its pleasing orange-gold surfaces and minor abrasions make it a strong example for its grade.
Why Collect Rare Coins?
Rare coins like the 1870-CC double eagle appeal to collectors for several reasons:
- Historical Significance: Coins tell stories of their time, like the Carson City Mint’s role during the Nevada Gold Rush.
- Rarity: Low mintages and survival rates make certain coins highly sought after.
- Investment Value: Rare coins can appreciate significantly over time.
Preparing for the Auction
For collectors planning to participate:
- Research: Understand the history and grading of coins of interest.
- Budgeting: Determine a maximum bid based on the coin’s market value.
- Participation: Attend in person or place bids online via Heritage Auctions’ platform.
Conclusion
The Heritage Auctions event promises to be an exciting opportunity for numismatics enthusiasts. The highlighted 1870-CC $20 double eagle is a prime example of the rare and fascinating coins collectors value. Whether attending in person or following online, this event showcases the enduring appeal of numismatics.
FAQs
1. What is a $20 Double Eagle?
A $20 Double Eagle is a gold coin with a face value of $20, first minted in the U.S. in the 19th century. The design features Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. It’s made of gold, making it both a currency and a valuable collectible.
2. What makes the 1870-CC $20 Double Eagle so rare?
The 1870-CC $20 Double Eagle is extremely rare because only 3,789 coins were minted at the Carson City Mint, and very few remain in good condition today. It’s considered a high-value coin due to its historical significance and rarity, with estimates suggesting only about 65 examples exist in all grades.
3. How is the 1870-CC $20 Double Eagle graded?
The 1870-CC $20 Double Eagle in this auction is graded as “Extremely Fine 45” by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC). This means it shows light wear but still retains many of the design details and fine craftsmanship from when it was minted.
4. What is the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC)?
The Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) is one of the leading third-party grading services for coins. NGC assigns a grade to a coin based on its condition, and coins with higher grades generally hold more value in the marketplace.
5. What is the significance of coins from the Carson City Mint?
Coins minted at the Carson City Mint are historically significant because they were produced during the Nevada Gold Rush. These coins are rare and highly valued by collectors, which adds to their appeal in the numismatic community.