1876-S $20 MS(PCGS#8978)

The March 2012 Baltimore Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

4352

等级

MS64

价格

289,820

详细说明

1876-S Liberty Double Eagle. MS-64+ (PCGS). CAC. Secure Holder. Fantastic quality for the specialist as the Type II Coronet double eagle is by far the most difficult type to obtain at this grade level or finer for the denomination. In fact, PCGS has certified just two examples <em>of the type</em> as MS-64+, and importantly a mere 4 pieces finer, three as MS-65 and one as MS-67. Toned with a delicate copper-gold shade that surrounds the devices which blends with the strong mint luster in the fields. Boldly struck as commonly seen for this date, which happens to have the added feature of being the Centennial year of America as well. Most of the coinage struck in 1876 shows sharper strikes and more careful preparation by the various mints, as in the case here. Of considerable wonder is just how the surfaces survived in such outstanding condition-- for Type II Twenties are notoriously found with prodigious bagmarks from bag handling, even when still Mint State. Obviously set aside at the time of issue and carefully preserved, as even casual bag handling would have diminished the surface quality well below the grade achieved.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Type II double eagles are defined by the reverse hubs, which were changed in 1866 to include the newly adopted motto of IN GOD WE TRUST in tiny letters over the eagle within the oval star field in the glory rays. This was the only change over the Type I reverse style which did not have this motto. Along came 1877 and the reverse design was altered by spelling out DOLLARS instead of just "D." as an abbreviation. Hence the Type II designs were issued for just ten short years, and precious few survive with attractive surfaces, as shipping techniques used at the time caused the vast majority of these to be heavily bagmarked even prior to entering circulation.