1857-O Liberty Head Double Eagle. Winter-1, the only known dies. AU-58 (PCGS). This is an exceptionally attractive, undeniably rare Choice AU example of an issue that is elusive even in lower circulated grades. Beautiful original color blankets both sides. Ample evidence of a prooflike finish can be seen, reflective tendencies most pronounced in the protected areas around the devices. Although most survivors of this issue are softly struck, this piece is well produced by early New Orleans Mint standards. Overall detail is bold, and the O mintmark is fully appreciable. A premium quality coin for both the issue and the assigned grade that stands tall among the highlights in the current offerings from the Fairmont Collection.</p><p>The 1857-O and 1858-O are anomalies among New Orleans Mint double eagles from the late 1850s, being the only two issues from that era with mintages in excess of 10,000 coins. For the 1857-O, government records provide a figure of 30,000 pieces struck. This is still a paltry total in an absolute sense, of course, the New Orleans Mint receiving very little gold bullion from California after the San Francisco Mint commenced coinage operations in 1854. Additionally, the Louisiana facility was closed in the early part of 1857 due to repair work to the building.</p><p>The 1857-O is in the third rarity tier among New Orleans Mint double eagles, ranking alongside the 1858-O and 1860-O. Examples are elusive in all grades, Douglas Winter (<em>Gold Coins of the New Orleans Mint: 1839-1909, </em>2020) providing for just 200 to 250 coins extant. Q. David Bowers takes a stricter approach with an estimate of 90 to 150 survivors in his <em>Guide Book of Double Eagle Gold Coins</em>, although that reference was published earlier (2004). Both authors are in agreement that fewer than 10 Mint State coins are extant. Nearly as rare, this is one of our only offerings at the AU-58 level in recent decades. Interested parties are urged to pursue this coin with vigor for, once it finds its way into another advanced double eagle collection, it may be many years before an example of comparable rarity and quality appears on the market.</p> PCGS# 8921. NGC ID: 2694. PCGS Population: 12; 4 finer (MS-63 finest). From the Fairmont Collection - JBR Set.
