1859 Liberty Head Double Eagle. EF-40 (PCGS).Wonderfully original khaki-orange patina blankets both sides of this overall boldly defined, appreciably lustrous example. With a mere 43,597 circulation strikes produced, the 1859 boasts the lowest mintage among Philadelphia Mint double eagles produced up to that point in time. Examples are scarce in all grades, Q. David Bowers (2004) accounting for just 250 to 350 circulated survivors and a mere three to five pieces in Mint State. Obviously, the 1859 has not benefited from any shipwreck or similar finds that increased the high grade availability of issues such as the 1857-S and 1865-S. Finer than the typically encountered VF example, this handsome EF would make a significant addition to an advanced double eagle set.From the Fairmont Collection.