The 1870-S is a prime condition rarity among Type II Liberty double eagles. Radiant satin luster and modest semi-reflective qualities are also discernible in the fields at direct light angles. This issue is almost always encountered with poor striking detail; although not 100% full, the present example exhibits superior definition throughout. On the obverse, some softness of detail is confined to stars 1 to 3 and the lowermost hair curls on Liberty s portrait. The reverse is similarly bold overall with just a touch of softness to the central high points. Bathed in beautiful bright orange patina, this coin certainly has no equals among extant 1870-S double eagles in technical quality and eye appeal. The 1870-S is among the scarcer Type II double eagles despite a relatively generous mintage of 982,000 pieces. Writing in the 1999 book Type Two Double Eagles: 1866-1876, Douglas Winter and Michael Fuljenz rank the 1870-S second in overall rarity among double eagles of this type and fourth rarest in high grades. The authors further highlight the conditionally challenging nature of this issue by noting that most survivors grade VF to EF, a point expounded upon by Q. David Bowers in his 2004 Guide Book of Double Eagle Gold Coins when he states, "Mint State coins are elusive and mostly in the lower number designations." Indeed, of the 120 grading events for Mint State 1870-S double eagles at PCGS and NGC combined, all but 22 of the entries are concentrated at MS-60 and MS-61. The finest example certified at PCGS grades MS-62+, and the Choice Mint State coin offered here is the single finest graded example at both major certification services. The offering of this condition rarity may represent a unique bidding opportunity for the advanced Liberty double eagle collector. ， Est. $25,000-$40,000
