RARE PCGS/CAC AU58 1866-S WITH MOTTO DOUBLE EAGLE

1866-S With Motto double eagles are numismatically significant as the first-year-of-issue for the new Type Two double eagles. This is also a transitional date as 1866-S No Motto (or Type One) double eagles exist as well. The 1866-S With Motto is the scarcest San Francisco issue of this design. It is rare in properly graded AU55 to AU58 and very rare in Uncirculated.

This is probably the single nicest AU58 example of this date that I have seen or handled. This specific coin is fresh-to-the-market and it has never been dipped or processed as evidenced by its bold luster and pleasing yellow-gold color which changes to rose at the central reverse. There is no real wear noted on the high spots and what appears to be a scratch in the right obverse field is actually a curving die crack. The eye appeal is exceptional for the date and grade.

The last PCGS/CAC AU58 example of this date to sell at auction brought $15,275 as Stacks Bowers 6/14: 2652. An NGC/CAC AU58 also brought $15,275 as Heritage 2015 ANA: 4467.

An impressive and important coin for the serious Type Two collector.

CAC has approved 11 in this grade with just one finer.