1856 $10 Liberty Head Eagle NGC MS62

Here’s a unique opportunity to acquire a quite rare example from the popular $10 Liberty head Eagle series. Gold specialist David Akers writes, “The 1856 is very scarce in all grades and most known specimens grade only VF or EF. A small number of AU examples are known and there are a few uncirculated specimens known to exist. I have seen three that were choice and there may be a couple of others. The 1856 is more rare than the 1847, 1849, 1850, 1853 and 1855 …” 

Studying the population of graded mint state specimens of the 1856 $10, we see that PCGS has graded only 31 (MS60-MS64), while NGC has graded 39 pieces (MS60-MS64). NGC has graded 6 examples as MS62 with only 4 finer. The finest is an MS64 (STAR). Collectors Universe give this issue a price of $12,500 in MS62.

James B. Longacre, who created the famous Liberty head design for several coin series. Photo: wikipedia.

When James B. Longacre, who designed and engraved the iconic Liberty head Eagle and other coins, passed away, Mint Director Henry R. Linderman honored him with a speech at the U.S. Mint. He said, in part:

Mr. Longacre, my friends, was no ordinary man. His talents were of a high order, and would, with his industrious and frugal habits, have enabled him to achieve success and distinction in any professional or business career. His refined nature, however, appeared to avoid the sharp conflicts of life, and he sought, in quiet devotion to art, a congenial field for the exercise of his powers, and in it he achieved a success sufficient to satisfy a reasonable ambition. He reached by merit alone the honorable position of engraver of the National Mint, and so discharged its duties for a period of a quarter of a century as to command the continued confidence of the government and the public. Mr. Longacre was a man of strong religious faith, and adorned that faith by his daily walk and conversation. Like all truly great and good men, he was modest in deportment. His official duties were performed with a faithfulness worthy of all commendation whilst his intercourse with his brother officers and subordinates was characterized by dignity, frankness, and urbanity, and the utmost kindness. After a long and useful life, and with faculties unimpaired, our friend passed peacefully and contented to his rest. Let us ever cherish his memory, and strive to emulate his virtues.