1864-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-62+ (PCGS).
A remarkable example with few peers, and even fewer superiors among 1864-S double eagles certified by PCGS. Warm color in deep rose-gold blankets both sides and confirms the coin's original preservation. The surfaces also offer softly frosted luster and overall sharp striking detail, and they are exceptionally smooth. The San Francisco Mint produced 793,660 double eagles in 1864 according to government records. These circulated extensively on the Pacific Coast and it is believed that many were exported overseas. The 1864-S once ranked as a foremost rarity in Mint State; indeed, David W. Akers listed just four auction appearances of Uncirculated examples in his 1982 tome on double eagles. Since that time, additional Mint State examples have entered the market. In 1999, as a consequence of the underwater excavation of the wreck of the S.S. Brother Jonathan, which sank in 1865, newly discovered Mint State examples were added to the roster of known specimens, followed by more from the S.S. Republic treasure. It is known that even more Mint State examples came from other sources and, presently, the Uncirculated population is estimated at 225 to 250 coins. This total is still limited when compared to the strong demand that Mint State double eagles enjoy in today's market. Not a shipwreck find, and a formidable rarity as such, the Fairmont specimen offered here is one of the finest examples of the issue that we have ever offered.
PCGS# 8942. NGC ID: 269T.
PCGS Population: 1; 4 finer (all MS-63).
From the Fairmont Collection - JBR Set.