PCGS No: 6972

Mintage:
Circulation strikes:  2,300
Proofs:  0

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Diameter: 38.1 millimeters

Metal Content:
Silver - 90%
Copper - 10%

Weight: 26.73 grams

Edge: Reeded

Mintmark: "CC" (for Carson City) below the eagle on the reverse

Notes:
The finest example graded by PCGS is a single MS-60.

Ronald J. Gillio relates the following story:  "The 1970s.  Carson City Mint Corner Stone Find containing 2 (two) 1873-CC Seated Dollars in BU condition, purchased from Frank Roza, Jr. in Carson City, Nevada, which I purchased for $10,00 each -- a big price at the time.  Here is the story I was told by Frank at the time: A man came into his store one day, produced an old Prince Edward Tobacco can that contained old "CC" Mint coins.  Inside were one 1872-CC 50C AU, three 1873-CC Dollars (two BU, one AU), "CC" dimes, quarters and halves and other miscellaneous items from the 1870s.  When Frank asked the guy where he got the can full of coins and other old Nevada items, he replied that he was working on the reconstruction of the old Carson City Mint and found the can inside a wall."
  -- Advertisement in NUMISMATIC NEWS, June 1, 2004, page 45

Significant examples:
NGC MS-61.  Ex - Superior Galleries' "Pre-Long Beach Sale" May 27-29, 2001, Lot 3606, where it was described as follows: "1873CC NGC graded Mint State 61. Population: 1, with 1 higher (a Mint State 64). Medium gray to russet mottled toning. An extremely rare and outstanding example of this noteworthy issue, a piece that is second only to the Mint State 64 graded by one of the grading services in terms of overall condition. Clearly at the upper end of the Condition Census from a numerical viewpoint and which is high Condition Census when the high aesthetic appeal is factored in.  The 1873-CC is today a well known rarity in all grades, but was not generally recognized as such until long after it was struck. Thus, pieces saved were apt to be well worn, typical is Very Fine or an occasional Extremely Fine. In 1893 Augustus G. Heaton considered the 1871-CC to be the rarest of the Carson City dollars, probably relying upon mintage figures as there was not much information in print to suggest otherwise -- interest in mintmark collecting having been rather nominal at the time. However, today we know for a fact the 1873-CC takes the lead.  In 1873 the Carson Mint produced only 2,300 standard silver dollars. Emphasis later in the year was on a new silver denomination, the trade dollar, examples of which were minted continuously from 1873 through 1878. Seated Dollar coinage was 1,000 in January and 1,300 in March. It is clear from the records that some authorities believe that the 1873-CC outranks in rarity all coins except the 1870-S and is rarer than the 1851 or 1852. Coin is housed in NGC holder #563092-001."

PCGS AU-53.  Ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Philadelphia 2000 Signature Sale", August 6-7, 2000, Lot 6194, illustrated, sold for $31,625.00

ANACS Net EF-40.  Ex - Bowers and Merena Galleries' Robert W. Schwan Collection Sale, October 26-27, 2000, Lot 1485 at $13,800.00

PCGS EF-40.  Ex - Superior Galleries' "Pre-Long Beach Sale", October 1-3, 2000, Lot 3565, illustrated, sold for $10,350.00

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"The PCGS Population Report, October 2003" by The Professional Coin Grading Service