1860-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-58 (PCGS). CAC.This is a lustrous Choice AU with a suitably bold strike and richly original pinkish-honey patina. Federal records indicate that 544,950 double eagles were coined in the San Francisco Mint during 1860, these having a face value of $10,899,000. In 1982, David W. Akers found a scant five offerings of examples listed as Mint State in a survey of more than 400 major auction sales. Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth, in their emEncyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins: 1795-1933/em (2008) accounted for only about two dozen coins in Mint State. Such rarity in Mint State places market pressure on Choice AU examples, and when they are as handsome and fresh as the present piece, prices can be equivalent to MS-60 or MS-61. Clearly this impressive coin will see spirited bidding among astute double eagle enthusiasts.From the Fairmont Collection.
