1879 Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-62 (PCGS). Highly lustrous with a razor sharp strike, this beautiful double eagle is enhanced by mottled reddish-copper iridescence on a base of golden-apricot color. The eye appeal is truly extraordinary for this remarkably vivid example.<p>Mintage for this circulation strike Philadelphia Mint double eagle issue is 207,600 pieces, down more than 336,000 coins from the previous years tally at this facility. Much of the mintage was sent abroad in banking transactions, although many were paid out at par in the next few years - the first time gold coins circulated in East Coast commerce since 1861. About 500 to 600 Mint State examples of the issue are extant, mainly in the MS-60 to MS-61 range, and finer pieces are seldom available. The 1879 was a true scarcity in Uncirculated condition until the second half of the 20th century, when specimens began to flow back to America. Even now it is among the scarcer Type III Liberty Head double eagles in all Mint State grades, and the discerning collector would be hard pressed to improve upon this delightful Fairmont Collection offering. PCGS# 8988. NGC ID: 26B6. From the Fairmont Collection - CBL Set.
