Diagnostic Controls & Presets Carson City Mint Year One
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
Carson City operated on-site chemical partition facilities to convert raw Nevada electrum into 900-fine coin ingots.
Struck on February 4, 1870, under inaugural Mint Superintendent Colonel Henry F. Rice.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Top-tier survivor with authentic warm Comstock gold patina, sharp CC mintmark, and CAC approval.
One of only two certified uncirculated examples known, exhibiting stunning peripheral blue-russet toning.
Exceedingly rare in uncirculated grade; fully struck feathers with classic frontier Nevada cartwheel frost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were only 3,789 of the 1870-CC Double Eagles and Silver Dollars minted?
The Carson City Mint only began coining operations in February 1870. Operations were continually interrupted by breakdowns of the heavy steam coining press (which had to be hauled by wagon over mountain passes), fuel shortages, and refinery partition bottlenecks while parting gold from silver Comstock bullion.
How many 1870-CC $20 Double Eagles exist today?
Numismatic consensus by PCGS, NGC, and the Carson City Coin Collectors of America estimates that only 45 to 55 authentic specimens survive today across all grades. Over 95% of the original mintage was melted during federal gold recalls or worn away in frontier commerce.
Where is the 'CC' mintmark located on the 1870-CC coinage?
On the 1870-CC $20 Double Eagle, the wide 'CC' is centered beneath the tail feathers of the heraldic eagle and above 'TWENTY D.'. On the 1870-CC Seated Dollar, it is positioned directly beneath the eagle's claws and above 'ONE DOL.'.
Did the Carson City Mint produce proof coins in 1870?
No. The Carson City Mint never struck official proof coins for collectors in 1870. Any coin claiming to be an '1870-CC Proof' is either a counterfeit or a heavily polished, altered business strike.
What is an embossed mintmark on an 1870 silver dollar?
An embossed mintmark is a sophisticated counterfeit technique where a jeweler drills a microscopic channel from the coin's reeded edge into the reverse field and punches out two raised bumps to form the letters 'CC'. A close inspection of the edge will reveal the plugged drill hole.
What was the silver and gold source for 1870-CC coinage?
100% of the bullion came from the Nevada Comstock Lode, primarily mined from the Ophir, Gould & Curry, and Consolidated Virginia silver-gold deposits along Mount Davidson in Virginia City, Nevada.
Why does PCGS and NGC certification matter for an 1870-CC coin?
Due to five-to-six-figure price tags, 1870-CC coins are among the most counterfeited dates in American numismatics. Third-party certification guarantees metallic density, genuine die state attribution, and confirms the absence of soldered or altered mintmark letters.