The 1855-S is the second year of issue for double eagles from the newly-founded San Francisco mint. Unlike the 1856-S and 1857-S, the population figures for higher grade pieces have not been unduly influenced by shipwrecks or hoards. The 1855-S is very scarce in properly graded AU58, rare in MS60 to MS61 and virtually unobtainable finer than this.

This lustrous slider is a “gem” for the grade with especially clean surfaces and a considerable amount of soft, frosty luster. The color is a light green-gold with some pale orange shadings. The strike is absolutely hammered and this is uncommon for a San Francisco double eagle from this era. The only notable mark is located on the obverse below star nine.

Heritage 1/14: 7037, also graded AU58 by NGC and approved by CAC just sold for $5,288 but it had very deep “euro” coloration that might not appeal to all collectors.

In the Type One series, CAC-approved AU55 and AU58 examples remain excellent values in comparison to their MS60 and MS61 counterparts.

CAC has approved 10 in this grade with five finer.