1858-O Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU Details--Scratch (PCGS).This is a remarkably attractive coin in most regards, the surfaces bathed in richly original olive-orange patina. Luster quality is solid for the assigned grade, and the amount of sharp striking detail is remarkable for a lightly circulated New Orleans Mint gold coin from the 1850s. The only unfortunate detraction is a shallow scuff in the upper left obverse field that explains the PCGS qualifier. The 1858-O is a low mintage issue with just 35,250 coins struck. The vast majority of examples were consumed by commercial use and the typical survivor grades EF or AU. According to Doug Winter in the 2006 edition of <em>Gold Coins of the New Orleans Mint: 1839-1909</em>, survivors of this mintage number only 150 to 175 coins in all grades. Q. David Bowers 2004 estimate is similar, with no more than 150 pieces extant. The present example is pleasing overall and would make an impressive addition to many specialized double eagle and Southern gold collections.From the Fairmont Collection.
