Lot 1381
1871-CC. NGC graded AU-58. Only 1,376 minted. Well struck with lovely natural toning on both sides. A well struck and uncleaned example of a classic issue. The surfaces are well preserved on both obverse and reverse and only minimal abrasions are found. Liberty still displays original mint frost on her clothes. There is absence of marks on Liberty and eagle which reminds us just how unusual this is (most 1871-CC dollars show extensive abrasion). A frosty eagle on the reverse is surrounded by the same natural toning as the obverse, balanced, agreeable to the eye, and all original. The reverse can be identified by a couple of dark speckles on the eagle’s head. The overall appearance of this rare issue is choice and seems well deserving of its AU58 grade.
The 1871-CC Seated dollar has the lowest mintage in the series, only 1,376. It appears that almost every 1871-CC dollar went directly into circulation and used for commerce in the Far West. Any example in the AU grade range is a serious rarity and NGC has graded few at this level. The 1871-CC is only slightly more available than the 1873-CC, another classic. The grade distribution for the 1871-CC and the 1873-CC are about the same with approximately 15-25 more examples known of the 1871-CC. Do not miss the opportunity to acquire an issue that is seldom found and only sporadically comes to auction! Pop 7; 4 finer, 2 in 61, 1 in 63, 1 in 64.
The year 1871 is notable for The Great Chicago fire, said in legend to have been started when Mrs. O'Leary's cow kicked over a lantern. The fire raged on October 8th and 9th and destroyed over three square miles of the city, causing an estimated $190 million dollars' worth of damage, and killing about 250 people. Meanwhile, in Peshtigo, Wisconsin on October 8th through 14th, 1,182 people were killed in a devastating forest fire which wiped out the city. Conflagrations were very destructive back then, to life and property.
Mints in operation this year included Philadelphia, Carson City, and San Francisco. The Carson City coinage would, in time, be distinguished for its rarity.
Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000.
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| Realized $28,865 |
