Never thought I'd find one of these I could afford.

Oh, the joy! A total mintage of 16,500 coins and PCGS has graded a measley 51 with none in MS from either service. In fact the highest graded specimen is an AU-55 (PCGS), AU-58 (NGC). The Smithsonian Institution example is a VF-30. Population: 13 in XF-40, 23 finer.

Garrett and Guth in their excellent reference "Encyclopedia of U. S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" state that 'On many examples of this date, the mintmark is tiny and easily overlooked, so any (eagle of this date) should be examined carefully.' It took me a while to find the mintmark even with my reading glasses on.

Shown 1871-S $10 gold, XF-40.

Merry Christmas,all!

Dan