1875 Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-63+ (PCGS).

Impressive condition rarity in a Type II Liberty Head double eagle, this sharply struck example exhibits an uncommonly smooth appearance to frosty rose-orange surfaces. The gold coins produced at the Philadelphia Mint are some of the rarest circulation issues of the mid-19th century with one exception, the twenty dollar gold coins. Double eagles maintained their popularity in commerce through the 1870s and the Philadelphia Mint kept up the pace by delivering 295,720 circulation strikes in 1875. Available in most grades up to the lowest Uncirculated levels, the 1875 double eagle is particularly popular for type collectors seeking a representative of the relatively short-lived Type II reverse design. At the low end of the Mint State range, 1,000 to 1,500 examples are thought to survive. However, most of these specimens come from repatriated overseas hoards and are heavily abraded and impaired, thanks to decades spent in bags that were shifted from one vault to another. Examples with lovely eye appeal are quite scarce even though a few Choice Mint State pieces have been certified (these numbers are likely highly inflated due to resubmissions). The issue plateaus at the MS-64 level where the number of grading events drops off precipitously. The offered Choice Mint State example is a noteworthy condition rarity that will appeal to those seeking the utmost in quality and eye appeal.

PCGS# 8973. NGC ID: 26AS.

PCGS Population: 9; 6 finer (all MS-64).

Estimate: $ 8000