1896-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-63+ (PCGS).

Scarce original quality for this otherwise readily obtainable issue, both sides are uncommonly smooth with a full endowment of lively mint luster. Handsome medium gold patina throughout, sharp to full striking detail is also worthy of praise. The mintage of the 1896-S double eagle amounted to 1,403,925 pieces, up more than 260,000 coins from the previous year's total at the San Francisco Mint. Face value equaled $28,078,500. Much of the mintage was exported, repatriations in recent decades swelling the Mint State population to 10,000 to 16,000 or more examples. This piece is finer than the typical survivor in the MS-60 to MS-62 grade range, and it is sure to catch the eye of discerning bidders.

PCGS# 9030. NGC ID: 26CG.

From the Fairmont Collection.