1853/2 Liberty Head Double Eagle. FS-301. MS-61 (PCGS).，A remarkable condition rarity that would do justice to the finest double eagle cabinet. Bathed in a blend of warm honey-rose patina and soft satin luster, the surfaces are exceptionally well preserved for a variety that is typically offered well worn. The in hand appearance, in fact, is smoother than one might expect at the assigned grade level. Boldly struck, as well, this coin is sure to please even the most discerning numismatist.<p>An intriguing variety by any measure, the 1853/2 double eagle has both fascinated and perplexed numismatists for years. The variety was discovered around 1959 and was popularized by Walter Breen who later carried it as an overdate in his <em>Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins</em>. The variety is listed as a clear overdate in Bill Fivazs and J T. Stantons <em>Cherrypickers Guide</em> and has been considered the only overdate in the entire double eagle series. Other scholars, however, are not so certain of its status as an overdate since the artifact within the 3 does not closely resemble that of a 2. Only the one obverse die is known for the 1853/2 variety, which is also distinguished in its later states by a distinctive die chip under the letter R in LIBERTY, sometimes noted as die rust, as well as a repaired crossbar on the letter A in STATES. (On the present example, the artifact within the lower loop of the digit 3 and the die chip on Libertys headband are readily evident.) For many years after its discovery, the only known examples were lower grade coins, often heavily abraded and/or cleaned. Three moderately high grade examples of the variety were recovered from the wreck of the <em>S.S. Central America</em> but to this day the 1853/2 remains a formidable condition rarity. PCGS has recorded a grand total of just 10 grading events at all Mint State levels, two in MS-60 level and eight in MS-61. For the dedicated double eagle specialist seeking one of the finest examples of this elusive variety, here marks the end of your search.，，
