1839/8 Liberty Head Eagle. Type of 1838, Large Letters. AU-55 (PCGS).
This lovely example exhibits subtle rose-apricot highlights on dominant honey-olive color. Traces of prooflike reflectivity are seem in the protected areas around the design elements, which display appreciable luster in a softly frosted texture. Sharply defined throughout the focal points, with fully original surfaces. The 1839 Type of 1838 eagle is a very scarce coin in all grades, with perhaps just under 250 examples known, by far the vast majority of which are well circulated. While just a hair more available than the first year of issue, there is quite a bit of competition between type collectors and classic period gold specialists when an example appears at sale, regardless of condition. As an upper end AU-55 with superior quality and eye appeal, this specimen will attract significant attention from numismatists of all stripes.
PCGS# 8576. NGC ID: 262E.
PCGS Population: 10; 24 finer, 15 of which are Mint State (MS-66 finest).
From the Fairmont Collection - JBR Set.