1893-S Liberty Head Double Eagle--Struck Through Grease--AU-58 (PCGS). Gold Shield Holder.A rare and desirable Mint error on a Liberty Head double eagle. The dies were heavily clogged with grease at the time this coin was struck, both sides receiving an imperfect impression that has left the overall detail noticeably soft. On the obverse Libertys portrait is near-fully outlined, but with little other definition. Stars 6 through 8 are the only ones that are readily evident and the date is so faint that, although PCGS has determined that it is 1893, a strong argument could also be made for 1883. On the reverse, only isolated portions of the eagle, the star field above, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST and the peripheral lettering is discernible. The S mintmark is equally faint, yet identifiable. On the other hand, both sides display full rims, and the reeding around the edge is complete, these features precluding the fact that this coin could be a die trial piece. Warm medium gold patina throughout with a touch of pale rose around the peripheries, both sides retain much of the original planchet texture, although ample satin luster is evident in isolated field areas and the recesses of the central devices. Given the Mints strict quality control procedures for dealing with gold coins, especially the high denomination double eagle, errors of all types are very rare in the Liberty Head twenty-dollar series. The present offering represents a fleeting bidding opportunity for the advanced error collector.
