1880 Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-61 (NGC).A satin to softly frosted, sharply struck example of this highly elusive Type III Liberty Head double eagle issue. Bathed in vivid pinkish-honey color, the surfaces are minimally marked and very attractive for the assigned grade. With a mintage of 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.<p>Many 1880 double eagles were exported, accounting for most that survive today. Q. David Bowers, in his 2004 <em>Guide Book of Double Eagle Gold Coins</em>, estimated a Mint State population of just 40 to 60 pieces. When David W. Akers wrote his double eagle reference book in 1982 he 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, although it is unlikely that the current Mint State population exceeds 70 or 80 coins. This rare Mint State offering represents a significant find and an important bidding opportunity for the double eagle enthusiast.<p><p>PCGS# 8992. NGC ID: 26BA.NGC Census: 33; 6 finer (MS-63 finest).
