1870 Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-58+ (PCGS). Sharply struck with full mint frost to both sides, this vivid rose-gold example is knocking on the door of a Mint State grade. Just 155,150 circulation strike double eagles of this date were produced at the Philadelphia Mint with a modest face value of $3,103,000. In 1982 David W. Akers had seen very few examples in any grade approaching Mint State. Many of these were sent overseas in later years, by which time they were well worn. Some 1,500 to 2,250 circulated coins probably exist, with most survivors confined to the VF to EF range. About Uncirculated examples are available but considerable patience is usually required to locate a high end one such as that offered here. From the Fairmont Collection.
