1885 Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-55 (PCGS).

This attractive 1885 is a thoroughly appealing example of a legendary rarity among circulation strike Type III double eagles. Wonderfully original surfaces offer handsome honey-gold color and ample remnants of mint luster. Boldly defined overall from a well executed strike, with an uncommonly smooth appearance in hand for a large size gold coin that saw light commercial use. One of the most eagerly sought issues among key date Liberty Head double eagles, the circulation strike 1885 has a mintage of just 751 coins. Since many of the survivors are noticeably prooflike, these coins are most easily distinguished from their identically dated Proof counterparts by looking at the placement of the date. On circulation strikes, the date is a bit farther to the left than on the Proofs, with the first digit 8 centered under the letter B in the designer's initials J.B.L. on the truncation of the bust. Only 100 or so examples are believed extant in all grades, most of which are AU or Mint State, and all of which are highly desired by the legion of advanced double eagle collectors active in today's market. Few are as attractively original and problem free as the current Fairmont Collection specimen, marking it as a particularly important offering that is worthy of the strongest bids.

PCGS# 9003. NGC ID: 26BM.

PCGS Population: 10; 22 finer, nine of which are Mint State (MS-63 finest).

From the Fairmont Collection-Hendricks Set.

Estimate: $ 50000