1855 Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-55 (PCGS). CAC.Endearing honey-gold patina with iridescent pinkish-rose highlights evident as the surfaces dip into a light. Sharply defined, ample mint luster remains to further confirm the validity of the desirable Choice AU grade from PCGS. The year 1855 is the first in which the Philadelphia Mint would produce fewer double eagles that its San Francisco counterpart, indicative of the fact that the newly opened West Coast facility would leverage its proximity to the gold fields to strike the lions share of Californias precious metal into coins. This dominance would continue, with few exceptions, through the end of the Liberty Head series in 1907. Indeed, the mintage for the 1855, 364,666 circulation strikes, is modest by Philadelphia Mint standards of the era. The total face value for the issue is $7,293,320. It is thought as few as 15 to 20 <em>different</em> 1855 double eagles can be considered Mint State today. Premium Choice AU examples, as here, remain significant finds that enjoy strong demand among discriminating double eagle collectors.From the Fairmont Collection.
