1861-S $20 MS62+ PCGS....

Description

1861-S Double Eagle, Underrated MS62+
Seldom Seen So Fine

1861-S $20 MS62+ PCGS. The 1861-S double eagle coin showing the normal reverse (not the famous Paquet reverse) is an underrated issue in the higher grades. These pieces were struck immediately after the Paquet reverse coins. Even though the Civil War was raging in the East and South and hoarding of gold and silver was commonplace, gold coins continued as before to circulate in the West, which was used to the hard-money traditions instilled since the California Gold Rush of 1849. The San Francisco Mint struck 768,000 examples of the 1861-S double eagle with normal reverse, yet the issue circulated widely. The certified survivors, the top end of all examples, average a tad less than AU50.

This standout MS62+ PCGS piece is among the few finest survivors of this historic issue. PCGS reports only six examples in MS62, including this piece and one other in MS62+, and a single MS63 is finer (11/15). As expected, the eye appeal of this piece is far finer than most as well. The few larger contact marks that constitute the grade are mostly on the reverse, while the obverse is quite well-preserved. The honey-gold surfaces show excellent luster and a bold strike throughout. An MS62 PCGS example sold in our Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 5/2008), lot 3579, for $25,300.(Registry values: N4719)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 269K, PCGS# 8935, Greysheet# 9900)

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