1879 $10 MS65 PCGS....
Description
1879 Eagle, MS65
Only Gem at PCGS; Just Two Finer
1879 $10 MS65 PCGS. White-gold surfaces contain a slight
reddish hue and a generous helping of frosty mint luster. All
details on both the obverse and the reverse are sharply
defined.In 1862, the U.S. stopped paying out gold coins at par due to hoarding induced by the Civil War. As 1861 progressed, it became clear that the Civil War was not going to be a short conflict, but a prolonged war. Gold coinage became scarce, but paper money was readily available. As a result, many banks stopped paying out gold at par beginning on December 28, 1861, and gold coins virtually disappeared from circulation. This restriction did not end until 1878, causing very low gold coin mintages for a decade and a half.
After its resumption, mintages sharply increased across all gold denominations in 1878 and 1879. The eagle saw one of the most dramatic increases, from just 797 examples in 1877 to 384,740 coins in 1879. Despite the 1879's mintage representing the highest level of production not just since 1862, but since 1849, it cannot be called common due to a low survival rate. This is particularly true in Gem, where this issue is extremely rare. The present offering represents the only Gem at PCGS, with a mere two finer certifications (2/26), making it an ideal opportunity for Registry Set collectors. PCGS Population: 1 in 65, 2 finer (2/26).(Registry values: N4719)
Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 265M, PCGS# 8683, Greysheet# 9400)
Weight: 16.72 grams
Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Auction Info
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This lot is in: 1 -
Signature® Floor Session - Platinum Session (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 3001-3259) - 2:00 PM Central Time, Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Additional Location Info:
Heritage Auctions - Dallas
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261
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