1862-S $20 MS63 NGC. CAC....

Description

1862-S Liberty Twenty, MS63
None Certified Numerically Finer

1862-S $20 MS63 NGC. CAC. Although we are unable to say if this piece is a recent treasure coin or a piece passed down through generations, it is an important specimen that is tied for the finest that either NGC or PCGS has certified. The discoveries of the S.S. Republic and S.S. Brother Jonathan treasures have made the Type One double eagles of the 1860s far more collectible today than two or three decades ago. For the 1862-S twenties, the combined shipwreck recoveries numbered just under 200 pieces, but the majority of those coins grade no finer than About Uncirculated, plus a few low-end Mint State examples. The Saddle Ridge Hoard yielded three examples, none of which were Uncirculated examples.

As a rule, silver and gold coins did not circulate in 1862 east of the Mississippi River. Double eagles saw use in foreign trade and these large gold coins were an important circulating denomination at points West and along the West Coast. In those states and territories, little impact from the Civil War existed on its circulating coinage. While the occasional 1862-S twenty is found in overseas holdings, those coins are seldom finer than AU53 to AU55. PCGS CoinFacts estimates 20 to 30 Mint State 1862-S double eagles exist, none finer than MS63.

This is an impressive Select Mint State double eagle that exhibits rich orange-gold color with frosty luster and sharp design features on each side. The surfaces have the usual quota of small marks, although none are singularly heavy or of individual note. PCGS and NGC combine to list only seven MS63 examples including a sole coin in MS63+. CAC recognizes only one example -- this very coin. NGC Census: 4 in 63, 0 finer. CAC: 1 in 63, 0 finer (1/25).
Ex: ANA Signature (Heritage, 3/2011), lot 4295, which realized $57,500. (Registry values: N7079)
From The Mississippi Collection of Double Eagles, Part II.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 269N, PCGS# 8938, Greysheet# 9902)

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 all of [The Mississippi Collection of Double Eagles, Part II ]

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