1866-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. Motto. MS-60 (NGC).

1866-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. Motto. MS-60 (NGC). Vivid golden-apricot color blankets both sides of this fully lustrous, attractive example. Sharply struck throughout the reverse design, the obverse is bold to sharp overall and superior in this regard to other Mint State examples of this issue we have offered over the years. 842,250 double eagles of the With Motto design type were struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1866 according to government records. Most circulated extensively on the West Coast, and some others were shipped overseas to facilitate trade and were melted at their destinations. The 1866-S With Motto was once regarded as a great condition rarity. Back in 1982, David W. Akers wrote: "I have seen only two Uncirculated examples, the finest being....from the Harry Bass Collection." As recently as 2000, the issue was considered to be extremely rare and was cataloged as such when we (Bowers and Merena) auctioned the Bass specimen. Since that time, however, additional pieces have come to light. Presumably an old hoard was dispersed, but no details have come to hand. In 2004, Q. David Bowers estimated a population of 40 to 70 different Mint State examples in his Guide Book of Double Eagle Gold Coins published by Whitman. This is a premium quality coin for both the issue and the assigned grade that is sure to sell for a strong bid to an astute double eagle specialist. Provenance: Property of a Texas Gentleman. NGC Census: 5; 32 finer (MS-62 finest). PCGS# 8950. NGC ID: 269Y. Click here for certification details from NGC.

Estimate:£0.75

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