1863-S $20.00 PCGS AU58 CAC

This coin ably illustrates why I like the AU58 grade so much. It has nearly full luster and shows no real wear (just some minor rub on the obverse high spots) yet it is priced at around half the amount that an MS61 would be, if available. This example has lovely rich rose and orange-gold color, nice luster and very choice surfaces with just a few small marks visible with the naked eye. Despite a high mintage of nearly a million coins, this date is not often seen in Uncirculated and many of the Mint State pieces are from shipwrecks. This example has totally original surfaces with no signs of matte-like luster and, to me, this makes it very desirable. Only one PCGS AU58 has sold at auction since October 2009 (Heritage 1/11: 7252 at $5,175) and it didn't have a CAC sticker. Speaking of which, this is one of eight in this grade with CAC approval with just three better. A great coin for the Type One or Civil War specialist.