1854-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. EF-45 (PCGS). A handsome and technically superior example of this historic double eagle issue. Evenly patinated in pale canary-gold shades, both sides reveal clouds of ivory luster surrounding the design elements. Boldly defined for the grade and free from any distracting abrasions. After several years of political wrangling, the mint in San Francisco was finally opened for business in March of 1854. The mint was first located in the offices of the highly regarded private coiners Moffat & Company at 608-610 Commercial Street until 1874 when it was replaced by a larger facility better suited for mass production. The first coins struck were the five main gold denominations: the gold dollar, quarter eagle, half eagle, eagle, and the double eagle. A total of 141,468 $20 gold pieces were struck that first year, all of which were promptly absorbed into the regional economy and would remain there for years. Because of their heavy use in a cash-starved West, this is a comparatively scarce issue that is almost always found in low grade. It was not until a group of 1854-S double eagles were found on the wreck of the Yankee Blade did any examples in higher degrees of conservation become available. Even so, this issue remains scarce in AU and rare in Mint State, stressing the significance of the present Choice EF specimen.
