1848 $10 MS61 Certification #51071981, PCGS #8599

Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" states, "The 1848 eagle has one of the highest mintages of the No Motto type, yet it is surprisingly scarce relative to how many were made. Most examples are well circulated, but AU examples are scarce and Mint State pieces are rare... This date is known for the depth and frostiness of the luster." Q. David Bowers' "Red Book" - "A Guide Book of Gold Eagle Coins" under the heading "Key to collecting" states, "VF and EF grades are those usually seen, but AU specimens appear on the market with some frequency. Mint State coins are few and far between. Patience is required to find a nice one." He also states that the "Estimated population (Mint State): 20-25. Very scarce. Usually in lower grades, MS-60 to MS-62." David Akers' "United States Gold Coins - An Analysis of Auction Records - Volume V - 1795-1933" comments, "The 1848 is another rare and underrated date although it is neither as rare nor as underrated as the 1845 and 1846. Most known specimens are only VF or XF and strictly uncirculated examples are extremely rare. Specimens that grade a full AU are also seldom available. As a date, the 1848 is far more rare than the 1847, 1847-O and the 1849 and is comparable in overall rarity to the 1842-O and the 1844-O." While PCGS Coinfacts indicates an MS60 and better population of 8, PCGS and NGC have graded more than 40 pieces MS60 or better. It is unclear if the discrepancy is due to numerous resubmissions or just a typographical error.

David Akers (1975/88)

The 1848 is another rare and underrated date although it is neither as rare nor as underrated as the 1845 and 1846. Most known specimens are only VF or EF and strictly uncirculated examples are extremely rare. Specimens that grade full AU are also seldom available. As a date, the 1848 is far more rare than the 1847, 1847-O and 1849 and is comparable in overall rarity to the 1842-O and 1844-O.