1853 Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-58+ (PCGS).
Here is a noteworthy near-Mint survivor of this popular Type I double eagle issue. Fully lustrous and frosty, both sides are enhanced by sharp striking detail and vivid, original color. The surfaces are exceptionally smooth and superior for the issue. The Philadelphia Mint's output of double eagles in 1853 fell somewhat from the previous year, resulting in a mintage of 1,261,326 circulation strikes. Some portion of this mintage went overseas in later years, primarily to London, with many such pieces returning to the United States after World War II. Despite third party certification data that suggests otherwise - undoubtedly due to multiple resubmissions - we believe that perhaps as few as 30 to 40 different Mint State 1853 double eagles can be accounted for today. This is a remarkably small total considering the "common date" status this issue has in numismatic circles. Obviously, the 1853 is far more elusive in Mint State than the relatively generous mintage suggests. The present example approaches that level and, indeed, is more visually appealing than many low end Uncs that we have handled for this issue over the years. Sure to sell for a strong premium.
PCGS# 8908. NGC ID: 268M.
From the Fairmont Collection - Rhone Set.

Estimate: $4300