1857 Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-60 (PCGS).

A scarce Mint State example of this Type I issue, both sides have rich luster and are painted in medium-gold hues. Contact marks are far fewer than expected on an MS-60 double eagle, with rim chatter easily missed at first glance. The portrait is above average in strike with just a few hints of weakness. The stars are bold, the dentils are full and the reverse is needle sharp. The mintage for the date was 439,375 pieces, up nearly 110,000 pieces from the preceding year's tally at Philadelphia. Face value for the issue amounted to $8,787,500. The present example offers a coalescence of eye appeal and rarity that is seldom encountered on examples of this vintage.

PCGS# 8920. NGC ID: 2693.

From the Fairmont Collection.