1873 Liberty Head Eagle. AU Details--Altered Surfaces (PCGS).Close 3 date logotype, as are all known 1873 Liberty eagles. This is an uncommonly sharp, minimally circulated example of a key date issue that is highly elusive even in lower grades. Most design elements retain full striking detail, in fact, the surfaces exhibiting warm honey-gold retoning that further enhances the visual appeal. Muted in appearance with a somewhat matte-like texture that helps to explain the PCGS qualifier, this is still a significant offering for the advanced Liberty Head eagle collector that is worthy of serious consideration.pThe 1873 is the first circulation strike eagle of the Liberty Head design with a mintage of fewer than 1,000 coins. Only 800 pieces were produced which, when combined with a virtual lack of contemporary numismatic interest in circulation strike gold coinage, resulted in one of the rarest dates in a series replete with key issues. emPCGS CoinFacts/em accounts for only 30 to 35 survivors in all grades and auction appearances are few and far between in most years. Only one Mint State coin has been certified (PCGS MS-60), and with AU details the present example numbers among the finer obtainable despite the stated qualifier.
