The 1879-CC double eagle is similar to the 1878-CC both in terms of its overall and high grade rarity. It remains one of the more difficult Type Three double eagles from the Carson City Mint to locate, especially in any grade approaching uncirculated.

Expert’s Corner: 1879-CC Double Eagle

When I first started buying Carson City double eagles in the 1970s, this date was regarded as a rarity, and I still do not get the chance to sell many choice 1879-CC double eagles. In fact, in all my years of specializing in these coins, I doubt I have handled more than seven in any uncirculated grade. It is a date that I strongly recommend.

Most 1879-CC double eagles are well struck. The obverse is usually sharp at the center, and, on most specimens, the radial lines of the stars are fully defined. The reverse is nearly always found with good overall detail. The surfaces are typically bagmarked but not as pronounced as other CC issues of this era. 

1879-CC Double Eagle: Surface Qualities and Eye Appeal

Some 1879-CC double eagles have a pleasing, frosty texture, while other coins show a natural, but less appealing, “washed out” type of grainy luster. A very small number are found with reflective, proof-like fields. The color seen most often on original higher grade examples is a rich yellow-gold. Some are lightly spotted, but these mint-made areas of copper alloy are not considered detracting unless they are overwhelming. This is a rare coin, but it is a bit less difficult to find with decent eye appeal than one might expect.