The 1877-CC has become more available over the course of the last decade or so on account of some discoveries made in domestic and overseas sources. The 1877-CC was formerly impossible to find in uncirculated; today it is considered “very rare.”

Expert’s Corner: 1877-CC Double Eagle

Years ago, when I first started selling CC double eagles, you rarely saw a nice 1877-CC. Today this date is occasionally available in AU or even in lower mint-state grades. I am very fond of the 1877-CC, as it is the first Carson City issue of this type. It is a date that I strongly recommend.

This is among the better struck Carson City double eagles of this era, and it tends to come with much better and crisper overall detail than its 1878-CC and 1879-CC counterparts. A patient collector should be able to find an example that has good detail even on the hair of Liberty. 

1877 Double Eagle Characteristics and Collector Appeal

Some pieces do show minor weakness at the borders. Some show moderate copper spotting, but these are mint-made and do not detract from a coin’s grade or value. The luster is most often seen with a frosty texture that is distinctive to this issue and easy to recognize. A few are seen with semi-proof- like or fully proof-like fields, but these tend be less attractive than the frosty coins. The coloration on original coins is often a rich yellow gold, and some show medium orange or lighter rose toning. This date does come with good eye appeal, and high end, attractive coins are actively sought by date and type collectors.