1880-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-62 (PCGS). CAC. Desirable Mint State preservation for this scarce and conditionally challenging Type III Liberty Head double eagle issue. Both sides are bathed in a handsome blend of vivid, original color and billowy mint luster. Fully struck and nearly in the Choice Mint State category.<p><p>836,000 double eagles were coined at the San Francisco Mint in 1880, eclipsing the Philadelphia Mint production figure by a wide margin. It is likely that large numbers immediately entered the channels of commerce, as gold coins were very popular on the West Coast for day-to-day transactions. Many others may have been kept on hand in Treasury vaults for the redemption of Gold Certificates. Q. David Bowers in his 2004 <em>Guide Book of Double Eagles</em> estimated a population of 200 to 300, or perhaps even more Uncirculated examples. This estimate (which is probably on the order of at least 500 coins in todays market) represents a vast increase in supply since the early 1980s, the result of repatriations from foreign bank hoards. The 1880-S is still rare in comparison to many other late date San Francisco Mint Liberty Head double eagles, however, especially at and above the grade level offered here. PCGS# 8993. NGC ID: 26BB. CAC Population: 13; 5. From the Fairmont Collection - JBR Set.
