Stack’s Bowers Galleries is delighted to present the finest PCGS-certified 1853/‘2’ Liberty Head eagle as part of their Official Auction of the 2018 ANA World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia this August. Graded MS-62 (PCGS), this important rarity was only recently discovered by PCGS Director of World Grading Mike Sargent as part of a submission to PCGS Paris that included otherwise unremarkable U.S. gold coinage. It now ranks among the finest examples of this scarce variety, exceeding even the incredible Hall-Simpson (AU-58+ PCGS) and Hansen (MS-61 PCGS) specimens.
The offered example is truly exceptional, with gorgeous medium-gold surfaces and traces of original patina in the peripheries on both sides. The satiny luster in the fields contrasts subtly with the more frosty texture of the devices, and there are no notable abrasions.
Discovered in the 1960s, the 1853/‘2’ variety was at first considered to be an overdate by numismatists such as Walter Breen, who called it “Ex. rare” in his 1987 Encyclopedia and suggested a population of “Possibly 8-10 known, none UNC.” Continued study by modern scholars has called into question whether it is truly the remnants of a 2 lurking beneath the 3. Regardless, it remains one of the most sought after Liberty Head eagle issues among collectors. While the population has surpassed Breen’s initial estimate, examples are still incredibly elusive and challenging to find in high grades. In fact, noted gold coin specialist Harry W. Bass, Jr. was only able to acquire an example in EF-40 condition.
As the single finest example certified by PCGS, the present piece represents an important opportunity for advanced specialists in Liberty Head gold coinage and PCGS Set Registry participants.
This magnificent MS-62 (PCGS) 1853/‘2’ Liberty Head eagle will be presented as lot 1305 in the Rarities Night session of the Stack’s Bowers Galleries August 2018 ANA World’s Fair of Money Auction. It will be sold alongside such incredible rarities as the finest known 1913 Liberty Head nickel (Proof-66 PCGS CAC) and a Gem 1895-O Morgan dollar (MS-66 PCGS). The sale will be available for viewing and bidding on the firm’s website www.StacksBowers.com, or you may contact their offices to secure a printed catalog. To speak with a numismatic representative, please call 800-458-4646 or email Info@StacksBowers.com . Also, download their mobile app to view and participate in their auctions via your Android or Apple device.
