IMPORTANT CONDITION CENSUS 1866-S WITH MOTTO EAGLE

This is an important transitional issue representing the first use of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on the reverse of a San Francisco eagle. There are an estimated 60-70 known pieces from an original mintage of 11,500 and this issue is almost never seen above EF45 to AU50. The 1866-S Motto eagles is unknown in Uncirculated and I know of just one properly graded AU58.

This very important coin is well into the Condition Census and it it is very choice for the grade with considerable luster and a lack of the severe abrasions which plague this issue. The strike is sharp and the color is a natural yellow-gold with rose undershades.

The only PCGS AU55 to sell at auction since early 2006 is this exact coin which sold very reasonably (as a non-CAC coin) for $9,988 as Heritage 2014 ANA: 3992.

The 1866-S No Motto eagle gets most of the attention for this year but its With Motto counterpart is just as rare in high grades at a significantly discounted price level.

CAC has approved this 1 coin in AU55 with none finer.