1863 Liberty Head Eagle. AU-55 (PCGS). CAC.

Here is a highly significant example of this leading rarity in the No Motto Liberty Head eagle series. Uniformly well defined throughout with only minimal handling across the high points and considerable luster in the protected areas. The color is richly original warm honey-orange, with blushes of iridescent pinkish-rose that provide additional eye appeal. This is certainly one of the most impressive examples of the issue that we have ever offered -- conditionally rare in PCGS AU-55 and of the utmost desirability as the highest graded circulation strike 1863 eagle to have secured approval from CAC. Yearly production of circulation strike eagles at the Philadelphia Mint fell off markedly after late December 1861, when Northern banks stopped paying out gold coins at par in exchange for paper currency. While the 1862 was produced in far fewer numbers than the 1861, the effects of this suspension in specie payments on eagle production really came to the fore in 1863, when just 1,248 were struck, one of the lowest mintages for a circulation strike No Motto Liberty Head eagle. A celebrated rarity that is always in demand among advanced gold enthusiasts, the extant population for the 1863 is thought to be fewer than 50 coins across the grading spectrum. ( PCGS CoinFacts accounts for just 30 to 45 survivors.) Mint State examples are so rare that most numismatists will never see one, let alone have the chance to make a purchase. Sharp and inviting at the lustrous Choice AU level, the present offering represents a significant bidding opportunity not to be missed.

PCGS# 8637. NGC ID: 264B.

PCGS Population: 3; 2 finer, just one of which is Mint State (MS-63). CAC Population: 1; 0.

From the Fairmont Collection-Hendricks Set.

Estimate: $ 50000