Synopsis
The book is much more than a guide to 'CC' coins, as it begins with a general history of the Carson City Mint, complete with a short chronicle of the times in which it operated. Brief biographical sketches are presented of interesting individuals such as Abraham Curry, Senators William Stewart and John P Jones, Congressman Thomas Fitch, Mint Superintendent James Crawford, and the first woman to ever hold the position of Assayer in charge, Annie Martin. Beginning with the founding of Carson City in 1858 readers travel through a timeline of events leading up to the opening of the mint there in 1870, all the way through the coinage operations which produced some of the most legendary coins ever collected; the various suspensions and comebacks experienced at the mint, and finally to its final date with destiny in the 20th century. A brief background of the political climate and the battle over the nation's monetary system is presented in the context of the direct, as well as indirect influences various decisions and manoeuvrings had on the Carson City Mint.
In later chapters, numismatics and its long relationship with 'CC' coins is covered by way of brief profiles of collectors dating back to the 1880s carrying forward to the 21st century. Two extensive chapters in the heart of the book showcase all 111 of the dates and denominations compiling a complete set of Carson City coins. Every significant date is given special coverage, and a Top 25 list ranks the cream of the 'CC' crop. The last chapter is devoted to "Collecting Opportunities" and provides many options for those interested in building sets, as well as helpful hints about coin collecting in general. In the appendix are population figures for all 'CC' coins from PCGS and NGC, as well as an aggregate total of the value of all certified Carson City coins.
