The unheralded 1868-S is an underrated date in the With Motto eagle series. Of the 13,500 struck, there are slightly fewer than 100 known with most in the VF-EF range. This date is seen from time to time in the lower AU grades but properly graded AU55′s are rare and A58′s are exceedingly rare. I am not aware of a single Uncirculated 1868-S eagle.

This well-detailed example is more lustrous and vibrant than usual for a date which is often found dull and grainy in appearance. The obverse is choice and lightly abraded; the reverse is a bit more marked but none are deep or detracting. The eye appeal is far better than normal for the date.

No CAC approved AU55 has ever appeared at auction. The last NGC AU55 sold for $4,113 as Heritage 3/14: 10667 and it was nowhere near as choice as the present piece. The only finer 1868-S to sell at auction in recent years was a CAC approved PCGS AU58 which brought a strong $18,213 as Heritage 7/14: 3951.

This piece is likely in the Condition Census for the date yet it is still reasonably affordable.

CAC has approved two in AU55 with only one finer (an AU58).