1863 $20 MS(PCGS#8939)

August 2023 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

5178

Grade

AU55

Price

18,000

Lot Description

Delightful 1863 Double Eagle Scarce and Desirable 1863 Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-55 (NGC). CAC. A wonderful example with vivid orange and golden-apricot color on lustrous surfaces. Bold to sharp striking detail is also notable, as is an very smooth appearance for both the issue and the assigned grade. The Philadelphia Mint produced just 142,790 circulation strike double eagles in 1863. Due to hoarding, the issue did not circulate in the East or Midwest. Gold coins were available only by paying a sharp premium for them. It is likely that many double eagles of this era were exported and melted at their destination, as examples have not turned up in European bank hoards to any great extent. In fact, many of the 50 to 55 Mint State pieces believed extant were recovered from the wreck of the S.S. Republicby Odyssey Marine Exploration. Given that the 1863 double eagle is scarce even in circulated grades (Bowers, 2004, accounts for just 200 to 300 worn examples), the opportunity to acquire this premium NGC/CAC AU-55 deserves serious bidder attention. Here is a truly memorable coin. CAC Sticker Population: 27 in all AU grades. PCGS# 8939. NGC ID: 269P. Click here for certification details from NGC. Click here to see Coins in Motion.[“Coins]