Belay Off,
Your 1878-CC gold eagle is mid-range for the grade. If it were not a rare "CC" gold coin, and a date with probably fewer than 100 survivors, it would lean toward low-end for the grade.
When it comes to the rarest of the rare in the Carson City gold coin category, the relativity and subjectivity of grading amplifies. With so few choices from which to choose, we are inclined to give the benefit of the doubt to examples that if from any other mint, would not deserve it. The thing we want to avoid is the buying of coins with major distractions, such as harsh cleanings, doctored surfaces, deep cuts and scratches, etc.
Your 1878-CC eagle, even with its imperfections, ranks in the top-ten on the condition census for this date. And, you got a terrific value when you bought it for an invitingly low price. I would not hesitate to buy similar pieces, if they were available, that is.
As a side note: I have tried to get NGC to validate the exisitence of the 1878-CC eagle it lists in its census report as an MS-63. I believe this listing is a data-entry error, and that there is no known Mint State example of this date.
Rusty
C4OA Lifer!
