Combined population statistics from PCGS and NGC report there have been 46 1875-CC $20 gold pieces graded MS-63. This represents about 1.25% of our estimate of how many examples of this date survive in all grades (3,600). It represents about .04% of all 1875-CC double eagles struck at the Carson City Mint. By any analysis, surviving 1875-CC double eagles in grades above MS-62 are in the rare-breed class. Added to the MS-63 population, which is undoubtedly skewed to the high side because of resubmissions of the same coins, are two MS-64 specimens, with no examples graded higher. The example offered here rivals either of these two MS-64 pieces in terms of eye appeal.

The piece offered here is the finest MS-63 specimen of this date we have ever seen. The surfaces glimmer with the most naturally colored shade of golden-orange imaginable. The luster is delectable. Surface marks are minimal, with Lady Liberty’s face being exceptionally clean. If it were not for a few random ticks and small scratches in the left obverse fields, this coin would qualify for the MS-64 grade, hands down. The reverse is unquestionably MS-64+ in appearance.

Beholding this coin and realizing it is a Carson City Mint issue, is a spine tingling, hair-raised-on-the-back-of-the-neck experience. The only example of this date we have seen that surpassed this coin’s beauty was the NGC MS-64 specimen we sold many years ago.