1880-O $10 MS(PCGS#8689)

March 2021 U.S. Coins Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

4164

Grade

MS61

Price

16,800

Lot Description

Rare Mint State 1880-O Liberty Eagle Only 2 Finer at PCGS 1880-O Liberty Head Eagle. MS-61 (PCGS). This is a rare and highly significant Mint State survivor of an issue that is scarce even in circulated grades. Both sides exhibit lovely yellow-gold patina with scattered orange shades on the reverse. The are surfaces lustrous with a soft satin texture and faint reflectivity in the fields. Sharply struck with an exceptionally smooth appearance in hand for the assigned grade. Only 2 coins have been graded finer by PCGS, making this Condition Census example an irresistible find for Registry Set participants. Despite once again coming under federal control through Union occupation in 1862, the New Orleans Mint did not return to coin production until 1879. In that year, the facility delivered a sizeable number of Morgan silver dollars, along with smaller quantities of eagles and double eagles. Eagle production continued sporadically through 1906, the years 1879 to 1883 each having low mintages that have contributed to the scarcity (if not rarity) of all of these issues. In the case of the 1880-O, only 9,200 coins were struck. We believe that only a few hundred 1880-O eagles have survived, mostly in VF and EF grades, with the occasional AU coming to market. Overlooked by contemporary numismatists, the coins saw considerable commercial use and precious few Mint State survivors are known. PCGS Population: 7; 2 finer. PCGS# 8689. NGC ID: 265U. Click here for certification details from PCGS.