1871-S Liberty Head Eagle. VF-35 (NGC). Warm olive undertones backlight dominant orange-gold patina on both sides of this overall boldly defined, well balanced mid grade example. The S mintmark is small, faint and difficult to discern -- a characteristic of most 1871-S eagles. Relatively generous by the standards of the era, a mintage of 16,500 coins belies the true rarity of the 1871-S eagle. No more than 100 coins are believed extant, and this important offering is sure to catch the eyes of astute bidders.