With the year 1876, we saw the nation turn one hundred years. To mark it with celebration was the Centennial Exposition, which started in May of that year and lasted to November, held in Philadelphia. It was the first "World's Fair" that was held in the United States. All states and territories and forty nine foreign countries were represented. Approximately ten million people came to the exposition to see the United State's first "international exhibits of the arts, manufactures and products of the earth" with the feeling that the U.S. had grown up and taken its place among the nations of the world in commerce and industry. We were no longer a "new" nation. We were established with states on both coasts, gone through growing pains that almost tore us apart in a war that pitted brother against brother just eleven years previous. This exposition would allow us to look forward to an optimistic future.
As stated, all states were represented and of course, so was Nevada. Its exhibit building had displays featuring items associated with the Comstock Lode, such as pictures of mines, authentic mining gear, silver and gold ingots. The Carson City Mint was also represented with coins bearing the renowned "CC" mintmark in display. One unique item that was made available at the exposition from the state of Nevada, was the Nevada-1876 U.S. Centennial Exposition so-called dollar. Created by U.S. Mint engraver William Barber (Charles' father). A rather attractive medal which had on its obverse, the Liberty Bell between a Minute Man on the left side and the year 1776 and on the right side a soldier with the year 1876 with clouds below. Above has a ribbon with the word "Centennial". The reverse side has what looks to be the Seal of the State of Nevada. Two thousand five hundred twenty six of these medals were struck from Nevada silver ore, most likely from the Comstock Lode, and sold for $1.25 during the Exposition. These medals are available today however they cost a bit. As I write this piece, one is on Ebay, certified by NGC VF-20 with a "Buy it Now" price of $650 or best offer.
Nevada was one of the nation's younger states, having coming into the union only a dozen years previous and in its capital, Carson City, the federal mint there had been in operation only a half dozen years, but 1876 would prove to be the most productive for the young mint. A total of 15,839,024 coins were minted for a face value of $6,402,215. Half of the C.C. coins denominations minted in 1976, saw an increase in mintage numbers from the previous year and the double eagle was one of them. A total mintage of 1876 C.C. double eagles came to be 138,441, an increase of 27,290 from 1875. It still was third of all mints producing double eagles that year with San Francisco totaling 1,597,000 and Philadelphia with 583,860.
1876 was a transition year for the double eagle. It would be the last year for the Type II reverse, where the denomination was written as "TWENTY D.". Next year would be the start of the Type III reverse, where the denomination is fully written as "TWENTY DOLLARS".
With the 138,441 mintage totals for the 1876-CC double eagle, it is the highest mintage figure out of all Carson City double eagles, but at one time it was one of the more difficult one to obtain in uncirculated condition. In 1993-94 a hoard of three to four dozen uncirculated examples were released to the market. After that, more have since surfaced giving the total survival numbers in mint state condition to be around 375. About 4,500 are estimated to be the survival number in all grades. That still seems to be a low number for being the most available Carson City double eagle.
Strikes are pretty good, sometimes a little weak in the hair definition of the curls and the radial lines in the stars of the obverse, but the reverse has close to full detail on the eagle's feathers and in the shield. The surface is another matter however. The 1876-C.C. double eagle is nortorious for surface abrasions due to heavyhandling during shipping, the coins rubbing against each other as the coin bags are tossed around in route to financial institutions. Also copper spots can be found on a number of pieces. Because of its heavily abraded surfaces, the eye appeal for this date is usually considered below average. Though "baggy" it is possible to find some that have good detail, coloration and excellent luster.
Luster is generally good ranging to frosty to simi-prooflike. there are some 1876-C.C. double eagles known to be fully prooflike and, if not to abraded, can be very visually appealing.
As far as varieties, there are a couble mint mark variations, but nothing so extreme as to command any additional premium.
Prices, as according to Numismedia Fair market Value price guide (and it is just a guide) are as follows for each grade:
G- $1710 / VG- $1740 / F- $1840 / VF- $1880 / EF- $2190
AU50- $2470 / AU55- $3450 / MS60- $10,530
To assemble a complete set of Carson City double eagles can be done, but it would require somewhat of a sizable bank account, not something that can be done by the average Joe. But if one desires to put together a Carson City Gold type set, or a complete Carson City coinage type set, then the 1876 C.C. double eagle, because of its readily availability and modest pricing, would indeed be the coin to seek. Enjoy.
