1859-O Liberty Head Double Eagle. Winter-1. AU-53 (PCGS).

With handsome honey-gold patina and plenty of bold to sharp striking detail remaining, this is an exceptional example of one of the rarest New Orleans Mint double eagles. The finish is appreciably prooflike. This very well preserved 1859-O is one of the outstanding highlights in this sale. The year 1859 marked one of the low points in shipments of California bullion to New Orleans during the Gold Rush era, the Louisiana facility producing only 9,100 doubles eagles that year. The vast majority of these coins were claimed by domestic circulation in the Deep South and, predominantly, west of the Mississippi River. Rare in all grades, survivors number just 80 to 100 coins, the vast majority of which are in grades through EF. The 1859-O is actually the fourth rarest New Orleans Mint double eagle, ranking behind only the legendary 1854-O, 1856-O and 1855-O, and comparing favorably with the equally highly regarded 1879-O. Most of the few AU and Mint State survivors are cleaned or otherwise impaired, confirming the significance of this fully original and problem-free example. Sure to see spirited bidding among astute double eagle and Southern gold enthusiasts.

PCGS# 8927. NGC ID: 269B.

PCGS Population: 12; 15 finer, two of which are Mint State (both MS-60).

From the Fairmont Collection-Hendricks Set.

Estimate: $ 50000