Owner Comments:
After three years of ultra-small mintage, the mint increases the mintage of the 1857-O Double Eagle to 30,000. While this is the 9th rarests in the O-mint double eagle series, it is still very rare, with only 60 or so in AU and MS. It is the 12th rarest of all type 1 Double Eagles.
Census table show the AU 58 as PCGS 5/1 NGC 24/5 but these are inflated due to resubmissions. Dealers try hard to get their AU58 upgraded to mint state, for example.
The present piece was likely on of those, as it is nice for the grade and original. Luster is proof-like between the devices. No serious marks detract on either side.