Mintage of ten dollar gold coins declined slightly at the Carson City Mint in 1873, with only 4,543 pieces produced. The entire mintage was released at the time of issue and circulated heavily in the regional economy. Experts believe perhaps 55-65 examples survive today in all grades. No Mint State specimens of this elusive date are known to collectors today. In Gold Coins of the Carson City Mint, author Doug Winter has this to say regarding availability of the 1873-CC:  'The 1873-CC eagle is a rare coin in all grades. Most show considerable wear and any that grades Extremely Fine-40 represents unusual quality. There are probably no more than a half dozen known in About Uncirculated and no 1873-CC eagle is currently known or rumored in any Mint State grade.'