1881 Liberty Head Eagle. MS-64+ (PCGS). CAC.A gorgeous example, nearly in the full Gem category, both sides are highly lustrous with vivid golden-orange patina. The strike is full, the eye appeal is outstanding, and the condition rarity is undeniable. With a generous mintage of 3,877,220 circulation strikes, the 1881 was produced in greater numbers than any other Liberty Head eagle. It also boasts the second highest mintage of any ten-dollar gold issue from 1795 to 1933 (only the 1932 Indian has a higher mintage of 4,463,000 circulation strikes). Thousands of examples were exported and subsequently repatriated from European bank hoards, accounting for the majority of Mint State coins in todays market. The typical Uncirculated 1881 eagle is heavily abraded from overseas transport, however, and even coins in MS-64 can be challenging to locate. This premium quality MS-64+ is solidly in the Condition Census, and it would do justice to the finest gold cabinet.From the Fairmont Collection.
