1851 Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-61 (PCGS).Original brassy-gold surfaces with tinges of pink discernible as the surfaces rotate under a light. The devices are boldly rendered, and soft satin luster is suitably vibrant for the assigned grade. With vast quantities of gold from California flowing into the major economic centers of the Northeast, the Philadelphia Mint had ample bullion on hand to strike 2,087,155 double eagles in 1851. This is one of the more generous mintages for the Type I Liberty series, and survivors are relatively plentiful in numismatic circles. Of the estimated 4,000 to 6,000 coins believed extant, however, most are in VF to EF condition with the occasional AU appearing at auction to entice bidding from more advanced gold collectors. For the numismatist who demands the utmost in quality in an 1851 double eagle the word "opportunity" certainly comes to the fore in the case of the present offering. Fewer than 100 Mint State 1851 twenties are known.
