Rare Choice Mint State 1880-S Double Eagle

Just 3 Finer at NGC

1880-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-63 (NGC).

Vivid orange-gold coloration blends with faint pinkish hues that are most vibrant around the devices. The devices are sharp and blanketed by frosty luster on both sides. Free from distractions of any sort and delightful to examine in-hand. Surely one of the finer survivors of the issue with just 3 coins graded finer by NGC. 836,000 double eagles, equal to $16,720,000 in face value, were coined at the San Francisco Mint in 1880, eclipsing the Philadelphia Mint production figure by a wide margin. It is likely that large numbers immediately entered the channels of commerce, as gold coins were very popular on the West Coast for day-to-day transactions. Many others may have been kept on hand in Treasury vaults for the redemption of Gold Certificates. Q. David Bowers in his 2004 Guide Book of Double Eagles estimated a population of 200 to 300, or perhaps even more Uncirculated examples. This estimate represents a vast increase in supply since the early 1980s, the result of repatriations from foreign bank hoards. The 1880-S is still rare in comparison to many other late date San Francisco Mint Liberty Head double eagles, however, especially at and above the grade level offered here.

PCGS# 8993. NGC ID: 26BB.

NGC Census: 7; 3 finer.