1863 Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-50 (PCGS).

A wonderfully original example with handsome honey-gold and pinkish-rose color on lustrous surfaces. Bold to sharp striking detail is also notable, as is a very smooth appearance for both the issue and the assigned grade. Outstanding! 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. Republic by 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 PCGS AU-50 deserves serious bidder attention, especially since it not a shipwreck find. As such, here is an extraordinarily coin.

PCGS# 8939. NGC ID: 269P.

From the Fairmont Collection - Kronen Set.