Lot 1109
1873. Doubled "LIBERTY". Snow-1. PCGS graded MS-65 Red and Brown. This is the finest known example of the King of the Indian Cents. This coin has never been on the market before this sale. It was originally purchased uncertified by Eagle Eye Rare Coins in 1996, sold to a California collector, repurchased again 6 months later and placed into the "Heathgate" collection. It exhibits 85% red color and tremendous luster. It is fully struck with nearly perfect surfaces. This is an early die state example with every strand of hair standing out with clear crisp detail. There is slight browning on the high points and in the field to the right of the portrait on the obverse and on the lower right half of the reverse. A small tick is visible on the O in ONE.
Presently only 122 examples of the 1873 Double LIBERTY are reported, mostly in lower grades, as reported by Jerry Wysong in his population study in "Longacre's Ledger". Three examples are known in MS-65RB. The second finest is a close twin to this example, although with a bit less red, and is graded by PCGS. Third finest is an NGC graded example which was featured on the cover of "Flying Eagle and Indian Cents" by Rick Snow.
The 1873 Double LIBERTY is the most dramatic variety of the Indian Cent series, and one of the top varieties in all of United States numismatics. Most advanced date set collectors desire to include an example in their collection, not unlike how the 1955 doubled die is included in top quality Lincoln cent collections. Because of this collector demand, the values of this variety have increased dramatically over the past 10 years. This coin is one of the high points of the "Heathgate" collection and is expected to set new records for this popular variety.
Estimated Value $40,000-UP.
Includes Eagle Eye Photo Seal.
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| Realized $43,700 |
