1855-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-62 (NGC).

A gorgeous example of this historic Gold Rush era issue. Fully struck with razor sharp detail throughout the design, both sides allow ready appreciation of even the most minor design elements. Color is attractive in a blend of vivid golden-orange and pale rose shades. Highly lustrous and satiny with uncommonly smooth-looking surfaces for both the issue and the assigned grade. Production of double eagles went into high gear at the San Francisco Mint in 1855 owing to the continuing influx of bullion from the region's gold fields. The 1855-S has a mintage more than six times that of the mint's first year, 1854, when the facility was getting started and gaining speed. Most of the 879,675 coins struck were used in commerce on the West Coast. High-quality Mint State survivors can be challenging to locate in today's market, as such, and this despite the discovery of several hundred examples in the treasure of the S.S. Central America. With most such pieces already in tightly held gold collections, the fleeting nature of this bidding opportunity needs to be recognized.

PCGS# 8916. NGC ID: 268X.

NGC Census: 10; 2 finer (MS-64 finest).

From the William B. Pordobel Collection.

Estimate: $18000