I saw this at my LCS and had to have it the minute I laid my eyes on it. The price didn't matter. An 1877-CC Double Eagle, it's too bad about those for letters stamped into the top of the shield, COPY. Well, what do you expect for ten cents. At least it's in mint condition.
So did I when I first saw it. Then I turned it over but I still had to have it. Isn't this like a half million dollar coin if genuine?
The American Mint (no relationship to any U.S. Mint) made these and charged $79.95 upon release plus shipping. Gold plated over a solid copper core. Mintage 9,9999. Wonder how many people got sucker punched on these. And sadly they end up like yours, in a discount bin. But good for you, they are pretty and you got a great deal.
I did some business with the American Mint but no where near their original prices. Every so often they would offer this type and many others at $4.95 each so I would buy the max of each, usually 5 at a pop. I made out quite well selling them back to other collectors who wanted to fill a space on the rare dates. And I'm pleased that you are pleased. I still kept a few for myself because they are very well executed, even for copies.
