1864-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-61 (NGC).

A vivid example dressed in bright medium gold, this originally preserved example also offers softly frosted luster and overall sharp striking detail. The San Francisco Mint produced 793,660 double eagles in 1864 according to government records. These circulated extensively on the Pacific Coast and it is believed that many were exported overseas. The 1864-S once ranked as a foremost rarity in Mint State; indeed, David W. Akers listed just four auction appearances of Uncirculated examples in his 1982 tome on double eagles. Since that time, additional Mint State examples have entered the market. In 1999, as a consequence of the underwater excavation of the wreck of the S.S. Brother Jonathan, which sank in 1865, newly discovered Mint State examples were added to the roster of known specimens, followed by more from the S.S. Republic treasure. It is now known that even more Mint State examples have come from other sources. Presently, the Uncirculated population is estimated at 220 to 240 coins, a total that is still limited when compared to the strong demand that Mint State double eagles enjoy in today's market. For the assigned grade, this is one of the nicest examples of the issue that we have handled in recent sales, and it is worthy of the strongest bids.

PCGS# 8942. NGC ID: 269T.