1855-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-62 (PCGS).

A glorious example of this popular early San Francisco Mint gold issue. Boldly struck with bountiful mint luster, the surfaces are further adorned with exceptionally original color. The level of preservation is superior to that seen in the typical survivor of this issue, the surfaces solidly in the Mint State category and nearly Choice. Double eagle enthusiasts and Gold Rush collectors alike are sure to compete vigorously for the honor of acquiring this significant condition rarity. The San Francisco Mint struck 879,675 double eagles in 1855, as production of double eagles was in high gear owing to the continuing influx of gold from the region's gold fields. The mintage of the 1855-S, in fact, is more than six times that of 1854, when the San Francisco Mint was getting started and gaining speed. Most examples of this issue were used in commerce on the West Coast. Prior to the discovery and salvage of the S.S. Central America treasure, the 1855-S was a major condition rarity in Mint State. Of the 304 examples recovered from that shipwreck, 63 coins were in Mint State preservation. A smaller number of Uncirculated coins were found in an earlier shipwreck salvage off the coast of Florida during the 1970s, although those coins are noticeably impaired with granular surfaces from years of immersion in sea water. The S.S. Central America coins, however, have been expertly preserved and now account for the majority of Mint State 1855-S twenties certified by PCGS and NGC. Far rarer is the Fairmont Collection specimen offered here, which is most definitely not a shipwreck find. Exceptionally appealing for the issue, it is sure to sell for a strong premium to a discerning bidder.

PCGS# 8916. NGC ID: 268X.

PCGS Population: 39; 29 finer (MS-66 finest).

From the Fairmont Collection-Hendricks Set.

Estimate: $ 12000