VERY RARE 1871 EAGLE

Only 1,790 business strike 1871 eagles were made and an estimated 60-70 are known with most in the EF grade range. It is likely that not more than a dozen properly graded AU examples are known. In Uncirculated, only one is known, a PCGS MS60.

As with all known 1871 eagles, this piece is abraded but unlike most it has not been processed or harshly cleaned at one time. A good amount of natural luster shows on both sides and while certainly not a coin with smooth surfaces, it is really less bagmarked than normal for this date. There is a small toning spot at the final star at the right which serves as quick identification.

Only one PCGS AU55 1871 eagle has been auctioned since the beginning of 2011 and it realized $9,400 as Stacks Bowers 3/15: 7396. I was recently offered an NGC AU58 example for $12,500 by a dealer and I feel that this PCGS AU55 is a much more appealing coin.

This is likely a Condition Census piece and it is the first 1871 eagle which I have handled in close to three years.