By James McCartney, Numismatist & Cataloger – Stack’s Bowers …..
Already consigned to our Official Auction of the March 2017 Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo is a lovely Choice Mint State 1906 Liberty Head double eagle only recently reintroduced to the numismatic market. Rich honey-gold hues dominate both sides, adorned by subtle green at the peripheries. The fields display dense and satiny luster that complements the frosty, matte-like texture of the design elements. The surfaces are overall smooth and attractive for the assigned grade. This is a truly delightful piece.
The 1906 is among the scarcest 20th-century Liberty Head double eagles, challenged by just the 1902 and 1905 for absolute rarity.
With a production figure of only 69,596 coins, the 1906 is scarce in lower Mint State grades and quite elusive in MS-63 and finer. It is noteworthy that even the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian is lacking a circulation strike example. While survivors have been slowly repatriated from European holdings, these rarely exceed MS-61 or MS-62 preservation, guaranteeing that MS-63 jewels like the present piece attract much attention when they come to market.
This Choice Mint State 1906 double eagle will be featured among numerous world-class rarities in our March 2017 Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo. To consign your collection to this exciting showcase event, please contact our offices today at 1-800-458-4646 to speak with a Consignment Director and see what Stack’s Bowers Galleries can do for you.
