1880 Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-58 (NGC). Vivid rose-orange surfaces are sharply to fully defined with modest semi-prooflike reflectivity shining forth from the fields at direct lighting angles. The mintage of this issue is just 51,420 circulation strikes (face value $1,028,400), a low figure in comparison to double eagle production during the periods prior to 1879 and subsequent to 1892. The 1880 marked the beginning of a low-production trend for Philadelphia Mint double eagles that lasted until 1893. In 1882, 1883, and 1887, no circulation strikes were produced at all at this coinage facility. Many 1880 double eagles were exported, accounting for most that survive today. Q. David Bowers, in his 2004 <em>Guide Book of Double Eagles</em> published by Whitman, estimated a circulated population of 700 to 1,100 pieces. Finer than most at the Choice AU level, and with superior technical quality and eye appeal, this handsome coin is sure to have no difficulty finding its way into a specialized double eagle set.
