1880 Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-61 (PCGS). CAC.
A frosty, fully original, sharply struck example of this highly elusive Type III Liberty Head double eagle. Vivid orange-apricot surfaces are minimally abraded and very attractive for the assigned grade. The mintage of this issue is just 51,420 circulation strikes. The 1880 marked the beginning of a low-production trend for Philadelphia Mint double eagles that lasted until 1893. In 1882, 1883, and 1887, no circulation strikes were produced at all at this coinage facility. Many 1880 double eagles were exported, accounting for most that survive today. Q. David Bowers, in his 2004 Guide Book of Double Eagles estimated a Mint State population of just 40 to 60 pieces. In 1982, David W. Akers was able to account for just eight appearances of Uncirculated examples in a survey of more than 400 major auction sales. Many of the best preserved examples known today were repatriated from overseas after Akers did his research. Others have come to light since publication of Bowers' reference, the present example included, although it is unlikely that the current Mint State population exceeds 70 or 80 coins. This rare CAC offering from the Fairmont holdings represents an important bidding opportunity.
PCGS# 8992. NGC ID: 26BA.
PCGS Population: 36; 13 finer (MS-63 finest). CAC Population: 5 in all Mint State grades.
From the Fairmont Collection - JBR Set.