1858-O Liberty Head Double Eagle. Winter-3. AU-55 (NGC).This key date New Orleans Mint double eagle offers significant and highly desirable Choice AU quality. It displays bright, even, golden-honey patina, with a tinge of olive also evident. Ample luster remains, the fields with flashes of reflectivity that indicate a semi-prooflike finish. Sharply struck, and uncommonly so for this often poorly produced issue, this is a remarkably well preserved and attractive coin that would serve as a focal point in the finest gold cabinet.<p>While not in the same league as the 1854-O and 1856-O, the 1858-O is elusive in all grades and ranks among the rarer double eagles from the New Orleans Mint. According to Douglas Winter in the 2020 edition of <em>Gold Coins of the New Orleans Mint: 1839-1909</em>, survivors of this 35,250-piece mintage number only 225 to 275 coins in all grades. Q. David Bowers 2004 estimate is a bit more conservative, with no more than 150 pieces extant. Mint State coins are particularly rare and can be counted on one or two hands. With its superior quality and eye appeal, the present example is among the finest that we have ever had the privilege of bringing to auction. A find for the advanced double eagle or Southern gold collector that is worthy of the strongest bids.<p>PCGS# 8924. NGC ID: 2698.
