Heritage to Auction Finest Known 1878-S Eagle at Portland

Dallas, TX - Heritage's March 24, 2004 ANA Signature Auction in Portland, Oregon contains an exquisite 1878-S eagle. According to Heritage's Chief Cataloger Mark VanWinkle, "The coin is unquestionably the finest example of this issue ever to come to market."

The coin is described as follows:

1878-S$10 MS64 PCGS. The 1878-S eagle is a very elusive issue and it is generally unavailable in any grade, even though 26,100 pieces were struck. A couple of dozen AU pieces may exist today, but only a small handful (three have been certified) are believed extant today in Mint State. This piece is tied with another MS64, an NGC coin, but we have to wonder is this actually a second coin or a crossover? This is an astonishing coin from the viewpoint of strike, eye appeal, and overall preservation of surfaces. The devices are fully defined in all areas, and there are no noticeable abrasions on either side. The fields are prooflike and each side has an overlay of rich reddish patina that adds even more to the coin's overall attractiveness. A very rare and important S-mint ten and an offering that is unlikely to be repeated again anytime soon.

View small image

View large image