1853/2 Liberty Head Double Eagle. FS-301. Late Die State. MS-61 (PCGS). Gold Shield Holder.This is an intriguing late die state example of this popular and well known Liberty double eagle variety. The artifact within the lower loop of the digit 3 in the date is no longer visible, but the diagnostic die chip on Libertys headband below the letter R in LIBERTY remains clear to identify the FS-301 variety. Vivid yellow-gold color dominates the complexion, complemented by bountiful satiny luster in the fields and within the design elements. A mark across the W of TWENTY is apparent under scrutiny, though the surfaces are otherwise well composed for the assigned grade and attractive. This piece represents one of the finest survivors from these dies and is among the top pieces evaluated by PCGS. PCGS has certified just nine examples of the 1853/2 at the MS-61 level and none finer; not inclusive of the present piece for which the 1853/2 variety is not noted on the PCGS insert.<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, but other scholars are not so certain of its status as an overdate since the artifact within the 3 does not closely resemble that of a 2.<p>Only one obverse die is known for the 1853/2 variety which is also distinguished in its later die states by a distinctive die chip under the R in LIBERTY which is noted as die rust in some references, as well as a repaired crossbar in the A in STATES. For many years after its discovery, the only known examples were in lower grades, often heavily abraded 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 it remains a formidable condition rarity. For the dedicated double eagle specialist seeking the finest example of this elusive variety, here marks the end of your search.PCGS Population: 9 in MS-61; 0 finer for the 1853/2 variety. The present piece is not included in this total, as the 1853/2 attribution is not noted on the PCGS insert.
