1860-S $20 MS63 PCGS....

Description

1860-S Double Eagle, MS63
The Sole Second Finest Known

1860-S $20 MS63 PCGS. The present 1860-S double eagle is the single MS63 of the issue at either service and is surpassed only by a single MS64 at PCGS. Moreover, that top-tier population is the same as it was over a decade ago when we last handled this piece. In their gold coin Encyclopedia (2008), Garrett and Guth described the 1860-S as a "workhorse of commerce" and add that "only about two dozen Uncirculated coins are known, including examples found on the wrecks of the S.S. Brother Jonathan and the S.S. Republic." Both ships sank in 1861.

Today, perhaps a few dozen Mint State pieces are known, although primarily in low grades. The present MS63 PCGS example boasts superlative eye appeal that might be expected on a much finer coin. Thorough frosty luster radiates from each side, and the obverse is sharply struck overall. The reverse is fairly sharp, although minor weakness appears on the wing tips. The obverse shows a small series of reeding marks in the field near the forehead, but otherwise there are few signs of contact. Some planchet discoloration above the head deepens into a small planchet flaw near the rim at 1 o'clock. The reverse shows some smaller planchet defects near the lower rim. The surfaces show antique-gold prevailing, but some deeper reddish color on the reverse may be the product of some improper alloy mix. These are nonetheless minor quibbles on such a rare, well-preserved, and nearly unmarked coin.
Ex: The Galt's Gulch Collection / FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2012), lot 5037.(Registry values: N1)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 269F, PCGS# 8931, Greysheet# 9898)

Weight: 33.44 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

View Certification Details from PCGS