1858-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-60 (PCGS). Rare and attractive BU quality for this conditionally challenging 1850s double eagle issue. Both sides are fully frosted in texture with a sharp strike and original deep gold patina. 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 S.S. Republic 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 finest survivors of this underrated issue. From the Fairmont Collection.
