1859-O Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-53 (PCGS).With handsome khaki-gold patina and plenty of bold to sharp striking detail remaining, this is an exceptional example of one of the rarest New Orleans Mint double eagles. The finish is markedly prooflike, as befits the issue, this feature most readily evident as the surfaces dip into a light. In an offering replete with rare and highly significant coins, this uncommonly well preserved 1859-O is one of the outstanding highlights in the Fairmont Collection.<p>The year 1859 marked one of the low points in shipments of California bullion to New Orleans during the Gold Rush era, the Louisiana facility producing a mere 9,100 doubles eagles that year for a face value of just $182,000. The vast majority of these coins were claimed by domestic circulation in the Deep South and, predominantly, west of the Mississippi River. Rare in all grades, survivors number just 50 to 100 coins, the vast majority of which are in lower grades through EF. The 1859-O is actually the fourth rarest New Orleans Mint double eagle, ranking behind only the legendary 1854-O, 1856-O and 1855-O, and comparing favorably with the equally highly regarded 1879-O. Most of the few AU and Mint State survivors are cleaned or otherwise impaired, which fact further confirms the significance of this original and problem-free example. Sure to see spirited bidding among astute double eagle and Southern gold enthusiasts.PCGS Population: 9; 12 finer, just two of which are Mint State (both MS-60).From the Fairmont Collection.
