1857 Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-60 (PCGS).A scarce Mint State example of this Type I issue, both sides have rich luster and are painted in medium-gold hues. Contact marks are far fewer than expected on an MS-60 double eagle. The portrait is far above average in strike with just a few hints of weakness. The stars are bold, the dentils are full and the revere is needle sharp. The mintage for the date was 439,375 pieces, up nearly 110,000 pieces from the preceding years tally at Philadelphia. Face value for the issue amounted to $8,787,500. Perhaps just 40 to 60 or so different Mint State examples are extant, with nearly all at the MS-60 level or moderately finer. Anything above MS-60 can be considered a condition rarity for the date. The present example offers a coalescence of eye appeal and rarity that is seldom encountered on examples of this vintage.From the Fairmont Collection.
