1854-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-53 (PCGS). Outstanding lustrous surfaces are bathed in mint frost. This is a well struck coin with most design elements fully rendered. It is also very well preserved for both the issue and the assigned grade. Not only are the surfaces fully About Uncirculated, but they are largely free of individually distracting marks. Visually appealing and sure to impress.<p>After several years of political wrangling, the mint in San Francisco was finally opened for business in March 1854. The mint was first located in the offices of the highly regarded private coiners Moffat & Company at 608-610 Commercial Street until 1874 when it was replaced by a larger facility better suited for mass production. The first coins struck in 1854 were the five main gold denominations: the gold dollar, quarter eagle, half eagle, eagle, and the double eagle. A total of 141,468 $20 gold pieces were struck that first year, all of which were promptly absorbed into the regional economy and would remain there for years. Because of the coins heavy use in a cash-starved West, this is a comparatively scarce issue that is almost always found in low grades. It was not until a group of 1854-S double eagles were found on the wreck of the <em>Yankee Blade</em> that any examples in higher grades became available. Even so, this issue is rare in Mint State and unknown above MS-65, stressing the significance of the present AU specimen. PCGS# 8913. NGC ID: 268U. From the Fairmont Collection - CBL Set.
