1868 $10 MS(PCGS#8653)

Spring 2023 U.S. Coins Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

5221

Grade

AU53

Price

3,840

Lot Description

1868 Liberty Head Eagle. AU-53 (PCGS). CAC. This notable condition rarity is one of the finer circulation strike 1868 eagles available. The surfaces are fully original and exhibit warm orange-honey color. Noticeably semi-prooflike, although the design elements are frosty. They are also sharply rendered and crisp, and the surfaces have only wispy handling marks that in no way distract. The 1868 was produced at a time when gold coins were not in active circulation in the East and Midwest. As a result, the Philadelphia Mint's output of eagles that year amounted to just 10,630 circulation strikes, actually a generous total for an 1860s Liberty Head eagle. The fact that the 1868 is the most frequently encountered 1860s eagle after only the 1861 should not conceal the rarity of this issue in an absolute sense. Mint State survivors are particularly elusive, as the little contemporary numismatic interest was focused on yearly Proof production, itself limited with survivors exceedingly rare in today's market. One of the few About Uncirculated 1868 eagles that we can recall offering, this example represents a significant bidding opportunity. Provenance: From the Fairmont Collection - CAG Set. CAC Population: 12 in all AU grades; 1 in all Mint State grades. To view all items From the Fairmont Collection - CAG Set click here. PCGS# 8653. NGC ID: 264N. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.