1897-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-65 (PCGS). Smartly impressed with lovely mint luster, this remarkably smooth and appealing Gem is enhanced by lovely rose-orange patina. The San Francisco Mint struck 1,470,250 double eagles in 1897, much of the bullion coming from the Klondike Gold Rush that began in mid-August 1896. Most of this mintage was used in overseas transactions, with repatriations from foreign bank hoards in recent decades resulting in a Mint State population of some 12,000 to 18,000+ coins. With the typical survivor grading somewhere in the MS-60 to basal MS-64 range, this condition rarity and visually stunning MS-65 example is sure to appeal to quality conscious double eagle enthusiasts. PCGS# 9032. NGC ID: 26CJ. PCGS Population: 15; 4 finer (MS-67 finest).