1885-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-64+ (PCGS). A noteworthy condition rarity among circulation strike 1880s double eagles. Beautiful rose-gold surfaces are originally and expertly preserved with eye appeal to spare. Lustrous and frosty, as well, with a razor sharp strike throughout the design.<p>The mintage for this issue is 683,500 coins. Similar to contemporary San Francisco Mint twenties most 1885-S examples promptly entered circulation; many others were shipped overseas, and still others were set aside for the backing of Gold Certificates. David W. Akers, writing in 1982, enumerated a few dozen Uncirculated examples that he found listed in a survey of major auction sales going back to the 1940s. By 2004, when Q. David Bowers penned his <em>Guide Book of Double Eagles</em>, the supply was estimated at between 2,000 and 4,000 examples, this being in a different era after significant quantities had been repatriated from foreign bank hoards. While plentiful in lower grades, the 1885-S remains rare at the Choice Mint State level, as here. This extraordinary near-Gem Fairmont specimen is sure to attract spirited bidding. PCGS# 9005. NGC ID: 26BP. PCGS Population: 12; 3 finer (all MS-65). From the Fairmont Collection - CBL Set.
