1869 Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-63+ (PCGS).This awe-inspiring Type II double eagle really needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. The surfaces are exceptionally smooth for a survivor of this Philadelphia Mint issue, the in hand appearance suggestive of an even higher grade. Fully struck throughout -- a rare attribute for the type -- with vivid golden-orange patina throughout. Otherwise softly frosted in texture, direct lighting calls forth decided semi-prooflike reflectivity from the fields that further enhances this coins already memorable eye appeal.pGovernment records indicate that 175,130 circulation strike double eagles were produced at the Philadelphia Mint in 1869, amounting to $3,502,600 in face value. Although the Civil War had concluded several years earlier, public confidence in the post-war economy continued to be weak in the East and Midwest, and consequently precious metal coins were hoarded rather than used in day-to-day transactions. Accordingly, it is likely that many double eagles minted in 1869 were used for overseas trade. Unfortunately, few if any high grade examples have turned up in European bank hoards. Q. David Bowers estimated a Mint State population of 15 to 20 emdifferent/em examples when he wrote his emGuide Book of Double Eagles/em in 2004. This estimate suggests that several high grade examples had come to light subsequent to the early 1980s, when David W. Akers wrote that he was able to find only seven auction listings of Uncirculated pieces in a survey of more than 400 major auction sales. Current certified population data further suggests that a few other Mint State coins may have slipped quietly into the market in the years since Bowers writing, although few as are expertly preserved and visually appealing as this remarkable condition rarity.
