1875-CC $20 (1875-CC Double Eagle) Error, NGC MS62. This lustrous, mint state, Carson City 1875-CC Double Eagle has the added advantage of being an error coin. For the grade, the surfaces are clean and free of major distractions, giving the piece the look of a coin that would grade MS63. The strike is bold and sharp, which allows the viewer to appreciate the engravers fine work in the details of the design. All gold errors are rare, especially on the larger sized coins. The error, a partial collar, occurs when the planchet is not fully held in place by the collar during striking. The result is what is known as a railroad rim or flange around part of the coin at the edge.

The coin is the Type 2 of the double eagle series. Type 1 lacks the motto within the oval of stars. It was added in 1866 as a result of pressure from the Reverend Mark R. Watkinson. He was the first to write a letter to Secretary of Treasury Salmon P. Chase urging the concept that the name of God be placed on our coinage. The Founding Fathers believed that the separation of Church and State should extend to our coinage. However, sentiment in the mid-nineteenth century, as it is today, favored the motto. Watkinson suggested that God, Liberty, Law be added. Pollock, the Mint Director suggested "Our Trust Is In God," "Our God And Our Country," "God And Our Country," and "God Our Trust." Chase picked "In God We Trust." The phrase was a somewhat subtle reminder that the Union considered itself with God as far as the issue of slavery was concerned.

It is interesting to note that when the new Presidential dollar coins were first issued, in 2007, collectors realized that many of the George Washington and some subsequent pieces were without the edge lettering that contained the motto. This mint error caused such a stir that Congress mandated that the motto be place on the obverse of future issues so that missing edge lettering would not create a Godless coin.

Authorized in 1863, the Carson City Mint began coinage in 1870 and continued until 1893. It was then operated as a government assay office until 1933 when it was closed as a cost cutting measure. During its operation the Carson City Mint made fifty-seven different types of gold coins. It also converted gold bullion and oar into gold bars which were shipped to San Francisco for coinage there. Coins issued from the Carson City Mint used the CC mint mark. Originally established to convert silver from the Comstock Lode to coinage, the Carson City Mint also processed gold in to gold coins.

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. Those who wanted the Carson City Mint closed use this discovery to urge the closing. Their real motive was that they wanted the lucrative shipping contracts to move the oar to San Francisco.