1848 $10 Liberty Head Eagle PCGS MS60

David Akers writes, “The 1848 is another rare and underrated date … Most known specimens are only VF or EF and strictly uncirculated examples are extremely rare. … As a date, the 1848 is far more rare than the 1847, 1847-O and 1849 and is comparable in overall rarity to the 1842-O and 1844-O.”

According to Heritage Auctions, “The 1848 Liberty eagle enjoyed a large mintage of 145,484 pieces, but the date was heavily circulated, and few survivors grade better than XF.” Another explanation of its rarity is export, and hoarding during the Civil War and later melting.

PCGS has graded 2 as MS60 with 17 finer. Collector’s Universe gives this issue a price of $7,500.00 in MS60.

The Second Philadelphia Mint, where this rare piece was struck in 1848. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.