1872 Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-63 (PCGS). This is an exceptionally attractive Choice Mint State example with lovely, fully original color throughout. The surfaces are well composed and remain free from any singularly distracting blemishes. The appeal is enhanced by a well executed strike that is superior for a Liberty Head double eagle of the Type II design.<p><p>The 1872 double eagle has a mintage of 251,850 circulation strikes, a good portion of which was sent overseas at a later time. Many high grade EF and AU pieces, along with some Mint State coins, found their way back to America beginning with the efforts of Paul Wittlin and James F. Kelly in the 1950s. These repatriated examples account for many of the examples in numismatic hands. Mint State survivors are in the minority, with perhaps just 80 to 120 pieces extant. Most of the Uncirculated coins encountered are at the lower end of the Mint State spectrum, generally MS-60 or MS-61. The present MS-63 example ranks near the top of Condition Census for the issue, as PCGS has certified just four coins in MS-63 and none finer. Double eagle enthusiasts will surely recognize the significant opportunity afforded by this double eagle. PCGS# 8963. NGC ID: 26AD. PCGS Population: 4; 0 finer. From the Fairmont Collection - JBR Set.
