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The Certified 1875-CC Twenty Cent Silver coin graded XF40 by NGC is a scarce and historically significant example from one of the shortest-lived denominations in United States coinage history. Struck at the Carson City Mint during the inaugural year of the series, this twenty-cent piece is a relic of the monetary confusion and experimentation of the post-Civil War era. Authorized by the Mint Act of 1875, the twenty-cent denomination was introduced primarily to address coin shortages and facilitate transactions in the Western United States, particularly in Nevada and surrounding regions. However, due to public confusion with the quarter dollar and resistance to its use, the denomination was quickly discontinued, with production ceasing after 1878 for circulation coins and 1876 for Carson City issues. This XF40 certified example offers a blend of historic value, desirable condition, and limited mintage that makes it a prized acquisition for collectors of 19th-century U.S. coinage.
The design of the 1875-CC twenty-cent piece follows the classic motifs of mid-19th century American coinage, with the obverse featuring Christian Gobrecht’s elegant Seated Liberty design. Liberty is shown seated on a rock, facing left, draped in flowing robes, holding a pole topped by a Liberty cap in her left hand and resting her right on a shield inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” The thirteen stars encircle the rim, representing the original colonies, while the date “1875” appears directly below the seated figure. On this XF40 example, the major design elements remain fully visible and sharp, with only moderate, even wear on the high points such as Liberty’s leg, chest, and the cap. The date is strong and well-centered, and most of the shield details remain visible, a notable feature for collectors seeking examples with minimal loss of detail due to circulation.
The reverse of the twenty-cent piece bears an American eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing both military readiness and the pursuit of peace. Surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” above and “TWENTY CENTS” below. Unlike the quarter dollar of the same era, which had a reeded edge, the twenty-cent coin featured a plain edge to help differentiate it by touch. The “CC” mintmark, denoting the Carson City Mint, is located beneath the eagle. In this XF40 specimen, the eagle’s feathers retain moderate detail, particularly on the wings and neck, while wear is evident on the upper portions of the wings and legs. The lettering is crisp, and the mintmark is bold and fully defined. Although some luster has worn away, the coin maintains a clean and evenly toned surface, enhancing its visual appeal.
The twenty-cent denomination was controversial from the beginning, as its size and design closely resembled the quarter dollar, leading to confusion in commerce. Its introduction was partly motivated by political influence from Nevada’s silver mining interests, which sought additional coinage to support the use of silver in the monetary system. The coin saw most of its use in the West, with the Carson City Mint playing a key role in its limited distribution. Of all the twenty-cent issues, the 1875-CC is among the most collected, not only because of its first-year-of-issue status but also due to its relatively higher mintage compared to later Carson City coins in the series. A total of 133,290 coins were struck at Carson City in 1875, but very few survive today in problem-free, lightly circulated grades, making this XF40 example both historically important and numismatically significant.
The Carson City Mint, active from 1870 to 1893, is legendary among collectors for its low-mintage and regionally issued coinage, often associated with the rugged history of the American West and the Comstock Lode. Coins bearing the “CC” mintmark are widely coveted, and this twenty-cent piece is no exception. The Carson City twenty-cent issues were discontinued after 1876, and the 1875-CC remains one of the few that entered general circulation. Most surviving examples show heavy wear or damage from years of use, which makes an Extra Fine (XF) example especially desirable. Graded XF40 by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), this coin shows moderate wear on the highest points but retains overall sharp detail, especially in the central design elements, making it a strong collector-grade example.
The composition of the 1875-CC twenty-cent piece is 90% silver and 10% copper, with a diameter of 22 millimeters and a weight of 5 grams. Though similar in appearance to the quarter, it is slightly smaller and noticeably thinner, and its plain edge was intended as a tactile aid to help differentiate the two. Despite this, the coin never gained widespread popularity, and public dissatisfaction with its similarity to the quarter led to its quick demise. The act authorizing the twenty-cent coin was repealed in 1878, and the denomination faded into obscurity, making surviving examples all the more collectible today. The brief production run and limited mintages across all issuing mints—Philadelphia, Carson City, and San Francisco—ensure that any twenty-cent piece, especially one from the CC Mint, holds lasting interest for numismatists.
The NGC encapsulation ensures the coin’s authenticity and provides protection from environmental damage. XF40 is a solid mid-range circulated grade that appeals to collectors who prioritize original surfaces and legible details without the cost of uncirculated or high-end AU examples. This particular coin exhibits pleasing toning, even wear, and strong eye appeal, key attributes for coins of this age and historical importance. Additionally, because so few problem-free examples survive, especially from Carson City, a certified XF40 is considered a highly desirable grade that balances price and quality for the seasoned collector or investor.
The 1875-CC twenty-cent coin stands as a numismatic curiosity and a symbol of America’s evolving coinage system. It encapsulates the post-Civil War period’s experimentation with silver coinage and the Mint’s response to regional needs. While short-lived, the series left a lasting impression, and the Carson City issues, in particular, are deeply tied to the heritage of the American West. For collectors focused on type coins, branch mint issues, or 19th-century silver denominations, the 1875-CC in XF40 offers an ideal combination of affordability, historical depth, and collectibility.
In summary, the Certified 1875-CC Twenty Cent Silver coin in XF40 condition by NGC is a standout example of a historically significant, short-lived denomination that reflects the unique challenges of U.S. coinage in the 19th century. With its bold Carson City mintmark, strong strike, and moderate, attractive wear, this coin bridges the gap between circulated usability and collector-grade preservation. It is an enduring testament to America’s coinage evolution and the colorful history of the Old West, making it a prized addition to any serious numismatic collection.