Not always the most understood coins that have survived from the Carson City Mint but certainly among the most interesting, twenty-cent pieces are vital to completing a 10-piece “CC” coin type set. The 1875-CC date is the logical choice to fill a spot in a type set because its 1876-CC counterpart is prohibitively scarce.

Of the approximately 5,250 to 6,500 1875-CC twenty-cent pieces extant in all grades, only about thirty-five qualify for an MS-65 rating, with perhaps no more than ten or eleven rated higher. In other words, Gem specimens are in short supply.

One thing important to emphasize is that all MS-65 examples are not equal in eye appeal or value. In fact, three price tiers define values in the MS-65 class. Low-end MS-65 pieces can currently bring less than $10,000. Midrange pieces for the grade currently range between about $12,500 and $17,000. The premium quality coins at the high end of the MS-65 division can currently soar near the $25,000 mark.

Of primary importance when evaluating the quality of MS-65 1875-CC twenty-cent pieces is the degree of definition displayed on the highpoints. Weakness of strike plagues a large portion of this date-denomination’s population in all grades from About Uncirculated up through the Mint State ranks. Possibly as many as seventy-five percent of the specimens in this range display noticeably weaker strikes. The weakness is typically most evident on the upper left (facing) wing shoulder on the reverse’s eagle. A person should immediately flip any 1875-CC twenty-cent piece under consideration over to its reverse side and examine the eagle’s wing in this area. If sufficient detail is visible on the feathers the coin is probably worth considering. If this area lacks detail or is flat, it is probably best to keep searching.

The PCGS MS-65 specimen offered here displays requisite detail on all the right raised devices to qualify it as sharply struck for the issue. Additionally, its surfaces are attractively original, colored by soft shades of antique beige-amber toning on the obverse and more vibrant hues accented by a russet-mauve blend on the reverse. Glowing luster beams through the toning on both sides in a subtle way. Contact marks are minimal , not one is large enough or severe enough to call attention to it.

This is a splendid looking specimen in every way. It is one of the top MS-65 examples known. CAC approved it with a green seal. Its pedigree links it to the Sierra Biker collection, an extremely impressive array of hand-selected Carson City coins.