Carson City Gold $20 Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1870-1893)

The Carson City mint holds a special place in the hearts and minds of U.S. numismatists, conjuring up (largely accurate) images of a small "wild west" town where gold and silver were king. In operation from 1870 through 1893, mintages were generally quite modest especially compared with their San Francisco cousin. The opening year of 1870 is one of the rarest and most famous Double Eagles, and worth a six-figure price in virtually any grade. Usually found in XF or so, don't waste your time looking for an Unc. They don't exist. The following year's coin is scarce, but not nearly so much as the 1870. After that, things become somewhat easier, and while these hardly grow on trees, the rest of the set can be completed with a modest investment in time and money.