1858-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-60 (PCGS). CAC.Rare and attractive BU quality for this conditionally challenging 1850s double eagle issue. Both sides are fully frosted in texture with a sharp strike and original deep gold patina. The mintage for the 1858-S double eagle is 846,710 pieces, down more than 123,000 coins from the 1857-S tally. Though this issue has been represented in just about every major double eagle collection ever to cross the auction block, the typical example has been in worn condition. The 1858-S is a significant condition rarity in Mint State with only a few dozen examples known. Some 1858-S double eagles were reported in the treasure recovered from the emS.S. Republic/em shipwreck. However, that loss occurred seven years after 1858-S twenties were minted, and most of the recovered coins were in AU condition, with only a few at the lowest end of Uncirculated condition, and heavily abraded. Premium coins at all Mint State grade levels are rarities, a fact that confirms the significance of this offering for the quality conscious double eagle enthusiast. The present example is among the finest survivors of this underrated issue.From the Fairmont Collection.
