1882-CC $20 Liberty NGC MS60

The 1882-CC $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle is a coveted relic of America's Wild West era and a prized artifact from the historic Carson City Mint. Certified by NGC as Mint State 60, this coin offers collectors a chance to own a true Western gold rarity that has escaped the ravages of time and circulation. For enthusiasts of U.S. gold, frontier history, or Carson City issues, this example represents an outstanding opportunity.

The Carson City Mint, established in 1870 to serve the booming silver and gold mining regions of Nevada, produced coins for just over two decades. Its output was consistently low relative to other U.S. Mints, making virtually every “CC” gold coin scarce today, especially in uncirculated condition. The 1882-CC is no exception. With a mintage of just 39,140, the issue is significantly rarer than most Philadelphia or San Francisco double eagles of the same era.

What makes this piece especially desirable is its Mint State 60 grade from NGC. While lower-grade circulated examples surface from time to time, uncirculated specimens are markedly harder to find and are tightly held by advanced collectors. In fact, it is estimated that fewer than 200 examples survive in Mint State across all grading services, and the population becomes even thinner above MS60.

Designed by James B. Longacre, the Liberty Head double eagle is one of the most iconic gold coin designs of the 19th century. The obverse features the elegant portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY,” surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies. The reverse displays a bold heraldic eagle holding arrows and an olive branch, with a detailed shield and rays emerging from behind. The “CC” mintmark, located just above the denomination “TWENTY DOLLARS.” on the reverse, boldly identifies this coin as a product of the fabled Western mint.

This Mint State example displays well-defined details and retains much of its original luster, with contact marks typical for the MS60 grade but no major distractions. Its eye appeal is solid for the grade, particularly given the challenging nature of Carson City double eagles, which are known for bag marks due to the heavy handling they endured at the time of issue. This coin is not only a sound investment in historic gold but a scarce relic that circulated during the tail end of the American frontier era.

The 1882-CC issue is also notable for its historical context. Produced during the waning years of the American gold standard, this coin would have circulated in the mining towns, boom camps, and rail hubs of the American West. Its hefty face value of $20 would have represented a considerable sum in its day, used in large commercial transactions, banking, or stored in regional reserves. Today, very few of these coins survive, and even fewer have been spared the melting pot and preserved in Mint State.

Carson City gold has a unique mystique, combining low mintages, high historical appeal, and intense collector demand. Every coin with the “CC” mintmark tells a story, not just of the gold within it, but of the rugged people and events that defined the American West.

For those looking to add a high-grade Carson City gold coin to their collection, this 1882-CC $20 Liberty NGC MS60 stands out as a rare and important piece. It checks every box: historic, scarce, Mint State, and certified by one of the most trusted grading services. A coin like this doesn’t just fill a slot in a set—it becomes a highlight.