VERY RARE GEM UNCIRCULATED 1899-S DOUBLE EAGLE

With very few exceptions, pre-1900 double eagles from San Francisco are extremely rare in properly graded MS65 and finer. In fact, were it not for the Saddle Ridge find, many dates would be all but unavailable above MS64. The 1899-S (which was not impacted by the Saddle Ridge coins) is common enough in MS64 but true Gems are almost never available.

This exceptional coin has never before been available to collectors and it is notable for its nearly unmarked surfaces which are ultra-frosty and overlaid with magnificent rose, orange-gold and greenish hues. It is possible that this piece was put aside right after it was struck as it lacks the detracting bag abrasions so typical on Liberty Head double eagles from this era.

The last PCGS MS65 1899-S to sell at auction crossed the block all the way back in 1999. In May 2006, an NGC MS65 sold for $13,225. The finest known for the date is a remarkable PCGS MS67 from the Eliasberg collection which was obtained by John Clapp directly from the San Francisco mint at the time of issue.

If you are a savvy collector looking for a really exceptional Type Three double eagle for your type set, it would be hard to find a more interesting option than this awesome coin.