1876 Liberty Head Eagle. AU-55 (NGC). CMQ.

Offered is a noteworthy example of a fabled low mintage rarity among Philadelphia Mint Liberty Head eagles. Vivid honey-rose surfaces retain considerable evidence of the prooflike finish for which this issue is known. The strike is uniformly well executed throughout with plenty of bold to sharp definition. Scattered marks are noted, as befits a lightly circulated survivor of this issue. After a very low mintage for the circulation strike 1875 eagle (just 100 coins struck), production of this denomination edged upward only slightly to 687 pieces at the Philadelphia Mint in 1876, ranking the latter among the most eagerly sought issues of its type. Understandably elusive at all levels of preservation, this is one of few Liberty Head eagles for which the Smithsonian Institution does not include a circulation strike representative. No more than 50 examples are believed extant in all grades, one grading event each at PCGS and NGC accounting for the only certified Mint State survivors (MS-60 and MS-61 PL, respectively). This Choice AU example represents a rare find and fleeting bidding opportunity that is sure to result in strong competition among bidders.

PCGS# 8674. NGC ID: 265C.

From the Dr. William M. Aden Collection.