1854-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-55 (PCGS).

1854-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-55 (PCGS).，Fully original honey-rose surfaces are appreciably lustrous with ample evidence of a satiny finish from the dies. After several years of political wrangling, the mint in San Francisco was finally opened for business in March of 1854. The mint was first located in the offices of the high regarded private coiners Moffat & Company at 608-610 Commercial Street until 1874 when it was replaced by a larger facility better suited for mass production. The first coins struck were the five main gold denominations: the gold dollar, quarter eagle, half eagle, eagle, and the double eagle. A total of 141,468 $20 gold pieces were struck that first year, all of which were promptly absorbed into the regional economy and would remain there for years. From this modest first output grew the future powerhouse of gold production throughout the 19th century. Because of their heavy use in a cash-starved West, this is a comparatively scarce issue that is almost always found in low grade. It was not until a group of 1854-S double eagles were found on the wreck of the <em>Yankee Blade</em> did any examples in higher degrees of conservation would become available. A desirable specimen from this historic California Gold Rush issue.，，