1855 Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-61 (PCGS).

Here is a seldom offered Uncirculated example of this underrated condition rarity among Philadelphia Mint Type I double eagle. Possessing the originality that we have come to expect from the Fairmont Collection, this luxurious piece also displays full mint luster and bold to sharp striking detail. Well composed for the assigned grade and worthy of a strong premium. The year 1855 is the first in which the Philadelphia Mint would produce fewer double eagles than its San Francisco counterpart, indicative of the fact that the newly opened West Coast facility would leverage its proximity to the gold fields to strike the lion's share of California's precious metal into coins. This dominance would continue, with few exceptions, through the end of the Liberty Head series in 1907. Indeed, the mintage for the 1855, 364,666 circulation strikes, is modest by Philadelphia Mint standards of the era. It is thought that fewer than 50 different 1855 double eagles can be considered Mint State today, thus placing the present piece among the most desirable examples extant.

PCGS# 8914. NGC ID: 268V.

PCGS Population: 16; 8 finer (MS-65+ finest).

From the Fairmont Collection-Hendricks Set.

Estimate: $ 10000