1873-CC Coronet $10 Eagle

The introduction of the new United States Trade dollar in 1873 placed additional demands on coin manufacturing resources at the Carson City Mint. During the same time span, much of the gold ore deposited from miners was melted, refined, and transformed into gold bars, rather than coinage. The result was a noticeable drop in coin production: only 4,543 Coronet $10 eagles were struck in 1873, the fourth-smallest mintage for the ten dollar piece.⁽¹⁾

In the hard-money American West where coinage circulated freely (the opposite was true in the east and Midwest in the aftermath of the Civil War), all the 1873-CC eagles were released and quickly absorbed into the channels of commerce where they served admirably for many years. Most of them met their ultimate fate in a melting pot.⁽²⁾

As much as modern day collectors revere Carson City coins, it’s hard to visualize the lack of numismatic interest in setting aside examples from that famous branch mint. On top of that, few collectors could afford to set aside many $10 eagles for future generations to enjoy.⁽³⁾

It wasn’t until the 1930’s when collecting by mintmark became popular. Demand for the Coronet 1873-CC eagle and other rare branch mint coins soared. By then, of course, it was too late… the vast majority of the original supplies were gone forever.

It is estimated there are only 78 lonely survivors of the 1873-CC eagle, and none are known in Mint State condition. As a result of decades of arduous usage, most surviving examples are heavily worn with abraded surfaces and poor eye appeal.⁽⁴⁾

CHERRYPICKER OPPORTUNITY?: There are two die varieties for the 1873-CC, but these are not mentioned frequently. On Variety 2-A, the “CC” mintmark is placed to the left of the arrow feathers on the reverse. The scarcer Variety 2-B has the mintmark below the arrow feathers.⁽⁵⁾

Any genuine 1873-CC Coronet eagle is a desirable rarity, regardless of grade. Just look at the value trend charts… sharply rising values are no fluke with this coin.

Imagine going back into time and grabbing an 1873-CC eagle as it rolled hot off the press. Wow, what would that be worth today!

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