1871 Liberty Head Eagle. (PCGS).

A desirable and impressively sharp survivor from this rare issue. Pale-khaki gold shades dominate the complexion, accented by subtle pinkish hues in the protected areas. The fields show a faint reflectivity and subtly contrast the satiny devices. Scattered old marks are apparent in the fields under a glass, including a particular concentration near star 2 on the obverse. Even so, the eye appeal remains remarkably strong to the naked eye. With a mintage of only 1,790 pieces, the 1871 eagle is one of a series of low production runs from the 1870s. Not long ago, it was considered unknown above the EF level, and David Akers did not know of any Uncirculated examples when writing in 1988. Today, most surviving specimens are still found below the EF level and only a single MS-60 example has been certified by either service. Advanced collectors of Liberty Head gold will appreciate the superior detail of this AU example and we anticipate strong interest from bidders.

PCGS# 8660. NGC ID: 264W.

From the Francesca Collection.