If a person wants a high-grade Mint State example of a Carson City $10 gold piece, the 1891-CC is the most available from which to choose. Out of the approximately 4,500 1891-CC eagles extant, 140 – 170 have received the MS-63 grade from PCGS and NGC combined; 7-10 have received the MS-64 grade; and one example is graded MS-65 (NGC).

Since the 1891-CC date accounts for about 45% of the total surviving population of Carson City $10 gold pieces, and since many of the other 18 dates don’t even have Mint State members among their ranks, it’s apparent that the 1891-CC is the go-to date for collectors seeking high-end pieces. Still, with fewer than 185 examples of the 1891-CC eagle in grades MS-63 and above, the supply pales in comparison with many other non-“CC” coins considered rare in the upper Mint State condition ratings (1909-S V.D.B. cents, 1937-D 3-Leg five cents, and 1916 Standing Liberty quarters come to mind).

Of the existing stock of 1891-CC eagles in the MS-63 grade, the quality ranges from low-end (barely making the grade or even over graded) to high-end (borderline MS-64). The example offered here falls in the latter category. It displays a light golden-apricot color with ample luster (possibly if it were more radiant, it would qualify for the MS-64 grade). The strike, as is typical for the date is razor sharp, which provides pin-point detail. Contact marks are at a minimum, with none of the usual heavy gouges often seen on Mint State 1891-CC eagles. If a 120-or-so-year-old gold coin ever had that “made yesterday” appearance, this is it.