An absolutely complete collection of Coronet or Liberty Head Double Eagles has recently been certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation. Consisting of exactly 150 coins, the assembling of this set is an amazing and nearly unprecedented accomplishment. Known collectively as the Eagle Collection, each and every piece now bears that pedigree on its NGC encapsulated holder. Not only is this collection of the highest importance for its scope, but it also includes a number of outstanding individual rarities.

Premier among these is the 1856-O double eagle. Displaying an absolutely full strike and mirrored fields, this magnificent coin has been designated as a "specimen" striking by NGC, which additionally graded it Mint State-63. A rarity in any grade, Walter Breen estimated that "possibly 10-12 [are] known." Another rarity included in this complete set is the 1854-O. NGC has graded the Eagle Collection example as About Uncirculated-58. Among the other highlights within the early date coins is the former John Jay Pittman specimen of the 1851 Philadelphia Mint double eagle, NGC graded MS-61. The Eagle Collection's rare 1855-O twenty has been certified as MS-60 by NGC, while its nearly as rare 1861-O earned the grade of AU-58. One of the most famous of Coronet Double Eagles is the 1861 San Francisco Mint issue with Anthony C. Paquet's rejected reverse die. Fewer than 20,000 pieces were issued, and the Eagle Collection example is an impressive AU-58.

Several rarities exist among the Carson City Mint double eagles, the greatest of these being the first year edition dated 1870. Breen declared that this coin is unknown in Mint State, and the Eagle Collection specimen has been graded a very respectable XF-45. Other "CC" Mint highlights include 1871-CC (AU-55) and 1872-CC (AU-58). The 1879-O double eagle is a major rarity in all grades, and the Eagle Collection example is a desirable MS-60 grade. Other late date rarities include 1881 (AU-55), 1882 (MS-62), 1886 (AU-55) and 1891 (AU-58). These Philadelphia Mint issues were all made in very small numbers, and collectors of that time showed little interest in them, preferring to save only proofs. Among the important proof-only dates of the 1880s, the Eagle Collection includes some very impressive pieces. The following NGC-assigned grades tell the story: 1883 (Proof-64 Cameo),1884 (PF-64 Cameo)and 1887 (PF-66). Several coins within this important collection are not rare by date, yet the Eagle specimens have earned some very desirable grades. Such condition rarities include 1899 (MS-65), 1901 (MS-65), 1902 (MS-64), 1903-S (MS-65), 1905-S (MS-64) and 1907-D (MS-65).

Completion of the Coronet Double Eagle series is an extremely difficult task, irrespective of the grades involved. To accomplish this goal with the consistently high grades of the Eagle Collection is an especially impressive achievement. The only previous collections to rival this one are those assembled by Josiah K. Lilly (now held by the Smithsonian Institution) and Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. (dispersed at auction in 1982).