1870 $20 MS(PCGS#8957)

June 2020 U.S. Coins Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

1340

Grade

AU58

Price

6,600

Lot Description

1870 Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-58 (PCGS). An original and attractive example of this scarce Type II issue. Pinkish highlights glow from the protected areas, accenting the overall medium-gold coloration. The obverse devices show a faint trace of handling but the complexion remains nicely composed. Just 155,150 circulation strike double eagles of this date were produced at the Philadelphia Mint with a modest face value of $3,103,000. In 1982 David W. Akers had seen very few examples in any grade approaching Mint State. Many of these were sent overseas in later years, by which time they were well worn. Some 1,500 to 2,250 circulated coins probably exist, with most survivors confined to the VF to EF range. About Uncirculated examples are available but considerable patience is usually required to locate a high end one such as that offered here. Provenance: From the Fairmont Collection. PCGS# 8957. NGC ID: 26A7. Click here for certification details from PCGS.