1876-S Liberty Double Eagle. MS-65 (NGC).；An extraordinary Gem that nearly defies belief in a Type II Liberty double eagle. Highly lustrous with a bright, smooth, satiny finish, both sides are further endowed with vivid light gold patina. All but pristine, the surfaces also offer razor sharp striking detail that rounds out a remarkable list of physical attributes. The year of the American centennial celebrations in Philadelphia, 1876 also saw the last use of the Type II double eagle reverse design. Used for all of ten years, the Type II design bears the motto IN GOD WE TRUST in small letters surrounded by an oval of stars, while retaining the Type I designs value indication as TWENTY D. Beginning in 1877, the denomination was rendered as TWENTY DOLLARS. Generally considered the scarcest of the three Liberty double eagles, the coins saw extensive service in the post-Civil War economy. Many double eagles were shipped abroad to Europe and South America where gold was the preferred medium of exchange for international commerce. The 1876-S double eagle is no exception, just under 1.6 million pieces were coined and saw use both in the West and in global trade for decades. Many ended up in the Treasurys melting pots as a result of the Presidential Gold Surrender Order, but those in foreign holdings were spared this fate. Numerous uncirculated examples of 1876-S double eagles returned stateside after World War II, to the tune of 2,000 to 3,000 pieces. Unfortunately, the years in large bags being transferred from vault to vault in overseas banks had taken a toll on these coins, most of which are mostly heavily bagmarked negatively impacting their eye appeal. Gem Mint State examples of Type II double eagles are very rare as a class, even more so than Type I coins, whose numbers have been bolstered by extraordinary shipwreck finds. For the type collector desirous of assembling a Gem Mint State cabinet of double eagles, the Type II design presents the greatest single challenge as many issues are entirely unknown at that grade level. The dedicated specialists patience will be amply rewarded tonight.
