The 1870‑CC Liberty Head Double Eagle is a cornerstone rarity of American numismatics and a defining issue of the Carson City Mint. Struck in the first year of operations at the fledgling Nevada branch, it represents both the optimism of the Comstock Lode and the challenges of frontier minting. With a mintage of just 3,789 pieces, it is the lowest‑produced double eagle from Carson City and one of the rarest Liberty Head twenties overall.

This specimen, graded XF40 by PCGS, is a newly discovered example that surfaced after remaining in the same family for five generations. Its surfaces show even wear across the high points, with Liberty’s cheek and hair softly blended into the fields, yet the overall balance and eye appeal remain strong. The coin retains a pleasing golden hue with subtle russet accents around the devices, and the strike is bold for the issue, with clear star detail and well‑defined eagle feathers.

The rarity of the 1870‑CC is compounded by the attrition rate of large‑denomination gold. Most pieces were heavily used in banking and bullion transactions, and many were later melted. Today, only an estimated 55–65 examples survive in all grades, with perhaps 30–39 in the XF–AU range. No Mint State coins are known. This XF40 ranks among the more desirable survivors, combining historical importance with a level of preservation that allows the design to be fully appreciated.

Auction appearances are infrequent, and when they occur, they command extraordinary premiums. On October 7, 2021, this very coin realized $360,000 in Heritage’s Long Beach Expo U.S. Coins Signature Auction, where it was offered publicly for the first time in its history. Its emergence from long‑term family stewardship added romance to its debut, reminding collectors that great rarities can still surface unexpectedly after more than 150 years. The result also reaffirmed the market’s enduring appetite for Carson City gold, especially when paired with such a compelling provenance.

The historical resonance of this coin cannot be overstated. The Carson City Mint, established to serve the booming silver and gold output of Nevada, struck its first coins in 1870. This double eagle, bearing the distinctive “CC” mintmark, is a tangible artifact of that inaugural year. It was the largest denomination struck at Carson City in its opening season, symbolizing both the ambition of the mint and the wealth of the Comstock. Surviving examples like this one are not just coins but artifacts of the frontier economy, carried in the pockets of bankers, miners, and merchants who shaped the West.

Now part of the PentaMint Collection, this 1870‑CC Double Eagle stands as both a trophy coin and a legacy artifact. It bridges the artistry of James B. Longacre’s Liberty Head design with the romance of Carson City’s frontier coinage, ensuring its place as one of the most storied and coveted issues in American numismatics. Within the PentaMint framework, it serves as a keystone piece—an emblem of rarity, history, and the enduring spirit of American coinage.