Along with the 1852 and 1853, this is one of the most available Type One double eagles from this mint. AU58 examples are not common, especially with natural color and surfaces.

This is one of the nicer AU58 examples of this date that I have owned. It is totally original with very deep green-gold color on both sides and a bit of reddish oxidation, from storage, at the upper obverse. The strike is exceptionally sharp and the surfaces are very clean with no evidence of circulation. I have seen inferior 1851 double eagles in MS60 and even MS61 holders.

There have been just three PCGS AU58 1851 double eagles sold at auction since the beginning of 2011 (compared to 13 in NGC holders) and the last with a CAC sticker was ex Heritage 8/11: 5588 at $4,025.

This is one of the most cosmetically appealing early date Type One double eagles I have offered in some time and I believe it is easily worth the premium I am asking over the typically scuffy, dipped example.

CAC has approved nine in this grade with 10 finer.