1866 Liberty Head Eagle. Motto. MS-61 (PCGS). CAC.A significant Liberty Head rarity offering tremendous eye appeal and exceptional preservation. Vibrant yellow-gold hues dominate the complexion, with tinges of deeper tangerine color scattered throughout. A flashy prooflike reflectivity is apparent across both sides, courtesy of aggressive die polishing in the fields. The devices remain richly frosted and sharply defined, free from significant abrasion across even the highest points. The date shows dramatic repunching as is seen on all examples of this issue, with the errant digits clearly impressed just to the right of the prominent ones. A stippled texture is visible around the ribbon on the reverse, through this goes unnoticed without magnification. Beautiful to examine and certainly choice for the assigned grade. The 1866 issue is the first Philadelphia Mint Liberty Head eagle to feature the Motto design type; the addition of IN GOD WE TRUST to the reverse design stemmed from the religious revival that swept through the Union during the Civil War. With just 3,750 coins struck, the 1866 Motto $10 was an absolute rarity upon its inception, and heavy circulation and melting has only further reduced this population. The presently offered coin is among the finest of just 75 to 100 survivors in numismatic hands, and it is the sole finest and only Mint State example certified at PCGS. It is numerically tied with one example listed at MS-61 on the NGC Census and ranks behind an MS-61+ and an MS-64+ at the top of the NGC Census. For the advanced Liberty Head gold specialists, this offering represents an irresistible opportunity.Ex Heritages sale of the Admiral Collection, February 2018, lot 4270.