1875-CC Twenty-Cent Piece: Rare Coin Fetches $80K at Auction

The 1875-CC Twenty-Cent Piece is one of the most fascinating coins in American numismatic history. Struck at the Carson City Mint, this coin is unique not just for its short-lived denomination but also for its historical significance and rarity. Let’s dive into what makes this coin so special and why collectors cherish it today.

The History Behind the 1875-CC Twenty-Cent Piece

The idea of a 20-cent coin was championed by Nevada Senator John Percival Jones, who saw a need for such a coin in the western states. Back then, smaller denominations like the nickel and cent were not produced at branch mints, creating a gap in the market. The Twenty-Cent Piece, often called the “double dime,” aimed to solve this problem.

Production of this new denomination began on June 1, 1875, at the Carson City Mint. Senator Jones attended the ceremony, symbolizing his significant role in bringing this coin to life. In its first month, coiner W. Hy Doana struck 3,290 pieces before Levi Dague took over, producing the remaining 130,000 coins. This brought the total mintage at Carson City to 133,290.

Although Jones had high hopes for the Twenty-Cent Piece, it was overshadowed by coins produced at the larger San Francisco Mint, which had a broader service area. Unfortunately, the coin’s design and purpose didn’t resonate well with the public, and the denomination was discontinued after just a few years.

Market Value and Rare Examples of the 1875-CC Coin

Despite its relatively high mintage compared to other locations, the 1875-CC Twenty-Cent Piece is considered one of the most valuable and sought-after coins for collectors. Several high-grade specimens have appeared at auctions, fetching significant premiums.

Notable Coins and Auction Highlights

Here is a table summarizing some of the most notable 1875-CC Twenty-Cent Pieces and their auction prices:

Coin Grade	Auction Lot	Auction Price	Date of Auction	Details
NGC MS67*	Heritage Auctions, Lot 2296	$80,500	April 30, 2009	Vivid toning, top-grade example
PCGS MS66+ CAC	Heritage Auctions, Lot 5008	$51,700	April 23, 2015	Green, blue, and red toning
PCGS MS66 CAC	Heritage Auctions, Lot 3078	$52,800	May 3, 2023	Strong CAC grade and vibrant toning
PCGS MS66 CAC	Heritage Auctions, Lot 30338	$49,937.50	June 2014	Toned with beautiful aquamarine hues
PCGS MS65 CAC	Coin World Ad, Legend Numismatics	$45,000	April 2009	Toned, market price estimate

Each coin tells its own story through its condition, toning, and auction history, making them exciting treasures for collectors.

Specifications of the 1875-CC Twenty-Cent Piece

Here are the key details about this fascinating coin:

Specification	Detail
Country	United States
Year of Issue	1875
Denomination	Twenty Cents
Mintmark	CC (Carson City)
Mintage	133,290
Composition	90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight	5 grams
Diameter	22 mm
Edge	Plain
Obverse Designer	William Barber
Reverse Designer	William Barber
Quality	Business Strike

These specifications add to the coin’s charm and make it a unique addition to any collection.

Why Collectors Love the 1875-CC Twenty-Cent Piece

The 1875-CC Twenty-Cent Piece stands out for several reasons. First, its historical connection to the Carson City Mint and Nevada Senator John Percival Jones adds depth to its story. Second, its limited production and short-lived existence make it a rare and valuable collectible. Finally, the unique toning and grade of individual coins create opportunities for collectors to own a truly one-of-a-kind piece of history.

Conclusion

The 1875-CC Twenty-Cent Piece is more than just a coin—it’s a slice of American history. Its creation, production, and eventual discontinuation reflect the challenges of introducing new denominations. For collectors, owning one of these coins means preserving a piece of the past that tells a story of innovation and ambition.

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