1866-S $20 Motto MS(PCGS#8950)

Spring 2022 U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

5405

等级

MS62+

价格

382,075

详细说明

Top Condition Census 1866-S Motto Double Eagle 1866-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. Motto. MS-62+ (PCGS). Gorgeous honey-rose color blankets both sides of this fully lustrous, attractively original example. Well struck throughout the design, and exceptionally well preserved for this conditionally challenging issue, the surfaces are temptingly close to the Choice Mint State category. 842,250 double eagles of the With Motto design type were struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1866 according to government records. Most circulated extensively on the West Coast, and some others were shipped overseas to facilitate trade and were melted at their destinations. The 1866-S With Motto was once regarded as a great condition rarity. Back in 1982, David W. Akers wrote: "I have seen only two Uncirculated examples, the finest being....from the Harry Bass Collection." As recently as 2000, the issue was considered to be extremely rare and was cataloged as such when we (Bowers and Merena) auctioned the Bass specimen. Since that time, however, additional pieces have come to light. Presumably an old hoard was dispersed, or some coins were repatriated from overseas holdings, but no details have come to hand. In any event the number of coins involved was minimal and in 2004, Q. David Bowers estimated a population of just 40 to 70 different Mint State examples in his Guide Book of Double Eaglespublished by Whitman. This premium quality offering from the Fairmont Collection is a newcomer to the Condition Census for the issue, where it vies with only two other PCGS grading events in MS-62+ for finest known honors. (Highest graded at NGC is MS-62.) A phenomenal condition rarity worthy of inclusion in the finest numismatic cabinet. Provenance: From the Fairmont Collection-Hendricks Set. PCGS Population: 3; 0 finer. PCGS# 8950. NGC ID: 269Y. 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. Click here to see Coins in Motion.[“Coins]