1880 Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-60 (PCGS).An undeniably original example, otherwise rose-gold surfaces exhibit splashes of warmer copper-gray patina here and there around the obverse periphery. Lustrous, sharply struck and solidly graded at the Mint State level. The mintage of this issue is just 51,420 circulation strikes (face value $1,028,400), a low figure in comparison to double eagle production during the periods prior to 1879 and subsequent to 1892. The 1880 marked the beginning of a low-production trend for Philadelphia Mint double eagles that lasted until 1893. In 1882, 1883, and 1887, no circulation strikes were produced at all at this coinage facility. Many 1880 double eagles were exported, accounting for most that survive today. Q. David Bowers, in his 2004 <em>Guide Book of Double Eagles</em> published by Whitman, estimated a Mint State population of just 40 to 60 pieces, a figure that represents a substantial increase above the number known to David W. Akers when he wrote his double eagle reference book in 1982. At that time, Akers was able to account for just eight appearances of Uncirculated examples in a survey of more than 400 major auction sales. Many of the best preserved examples known today were repatriated from overseas after Akers did his research, the present example almost certainly included. Regardless of when it entered numismatic circles, this rare coin represents a significant find and fleeting bidding opportunity for the double eagle enthusiast.From the Fairmont Collection.
