1872-CC Double Eagle (1872-CC $20) NGC AU53. Type 2 Double Eagle. This buttery branch mint 1872-CC Double Eagle shows some mint luster in its devices. Light abrasion, light wear, and a small scratch on the reverse field are all in keeping with the grade. Central weakness is seen on both sides of the coin, more so on the obverse which lacks some hair details. When gold was first discovered in Nevada it had to be shipped to the San Francisco Mint for coinage. This trip was both dangerous and expensive. The Nevada mine owners asked Congress to establish a branch of the mint in their state, and legislation was enacted in 1863. Carson City was chosen as the location for the mint facility because it was near some of the major mining sites.

Between 1870 and 1873, mintage at Carson City was limited because of political reasons. The Mint Superintendent, H.F. Rice was dismissed because of claims that the mint issued some light weight and debased coins. Rice could have been executed. This partly verified information led to frequently seen edge test marks on the gold pieces of this period from Carson City. Those who wanted the Carson City Mint closed use this discovery as evidence to urge the closing. Their real motive was that they wanted to have the lucrative contracts to ship the oar to San Francisco.

The 1872-CC is a Type 2 because the motto IN GOD WE TRUST has been added to the oval of stars above the eagles head.

In its population report NGC shows 406 coins certified in all grades. The AU53 is about in the middle of that group.