1858-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-61 (PCGS).A truly exceptional example of this significant condition rarity with uniform medium-gold coloration across each side. The surfaces are richly frosted and largely smooth, showing scattered bagmarks beneath a glass but none of which draw the eye. Boldly pronounced for the issue and offering pleasing eye appeal for the assigned grade. 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 <em>S.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 very finest survivors of this scarce issue, with just four coins certified finer by PCGS.From the Fairmont Collection.
