Lot 2180
1860 $10 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-64. This is the finest graded by PCGS, by a wide margin we might add, and undoubtedly one of the finest known of the date. The mintage of 1860 eagles stopped at 15,055. In economic terms, the Civil War was rumbling, and gold and silver were quickly hoarded by the population as soon as they were coined while the politicians prepared for war. Somehow, this coin survived with clean surfaces and precious few signs of handling. Virtually all gold from this period shows heavy bagmarks and circulation marks, even on virtually mint state coins. Here is a complete exception to the norm. The surfaces are aglow with radiant luster, and the devices are well frosted by the dies. Perhaps this coin was picked up at the Mint just after coining, and held aside, for everything is unusual about it, as eagles from the period simply don't come this nice. Close examination will note the fine roller lines from the planchet preparation process, they are all parallel, and are a normal part of the coining process. The current PCGS Population Report notes 2 as MS-64, but that reflects the same coin, this coin, as it was resubmitted after the Bass Sale and received the same MS-64 grade, but the original tag was apparently not returned to PCGS to remove it from the Population Report.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000.
Ex: Bowers and Merena's Bass II Sale, October 1999, lot 1474, prior to that Superior's session of Auction '85 lot 959.
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| Realized $24,725 |
