As with the 1879-S, the 1879-P double eagle is a date which becomes very rare and very expensive as you climb the grade ladder. While common enough in AU55 to MS60, the 1879 is scarce in properly graded MS61, very scarce in MS62 and very rare in MS63 and finer. Most of the MS61 coins graded by both services are excessively abraded and have limited eye appeal as a result.

This is a very nice example for the date and grade with frosty surfaces which are less abraded than normal. The color is a pleasing warm orange and rose with one toning spot on the obverse rim at 7:00 serving as identification. The marks are mostly limited to the left obverse field and I have seen baggier examples in MS62 holders.

Three PCGS MS61 1879 double eagles have sold so far in MS61 and they have brought from $2,585 to $3,290. None have been approved by CAC.

A PCGS/CAC MS62 1879 double eagle would cost at least $7,500 while an MS63, if available, could bring over $20,000.

For most Type Three collectors, this is an affordable and sensible 1879 $20.

CAC has approved eight in this grade with just six finer.