1875 $20.00 NGC MS62+ CAC

If you collect U.S. gold coins by type, you probably are aware that the Type Two double eagle is an issue that gets noticeably rarer (and more expensive) as you go up the grading scale. An MS63 will cost you $8,000 or so and I just saw a nice PCGS MS64 trade between dealers at the Denver ANA show in the mid-$30's. This makes a nice MS62+ a great value and the perfect Type Two type coin for the collector on a budget. This piece has superb deep rich orange-gold color and there are just a few too many tiny scuffs in the left obverse to call it a full MS63 (but, boy, is it close...). NGC has graded just eleven 1875 double eagles in MS62+ with no plus grades higher. Coins like this make a lot of sense to me and I doubt if all but a handful of ultra-savvy collectors could tell the difference between this MS62+ and and MS63 if the labels in the slab were covered.

Only one 1875 double eagle has been approved by CAC that grades higher than MS62+.

1864-S $20.00 NGC EF45

The last of these affordable SF Type One double eagles and a coin that is a bit abraded but which has pleasing medium reddish-gold and orange color.

1863-S $20.00 NGC EF45

My personal favorite from this date run of SF Type One double eagles with dark, even green-gold surfaces that are contrasted by deeper hues on the relief details. Clean, original and caked with nearly 150+ years of dirt and grime, this piece represents excellent value for the collector/investor who likes the double-play of bullion and numismatic scarcity.

1861-S $20.00 NGC EF45

I purchased a nice little date run of choice "Euro" Type One double eagles at the Denver ANA show and all are characterized by dark, natural color. This Civil War date is very clean for the grade and has a good deal of luster at the peripheries. It is a tougher date although it brings virtually no premium over isses such as the 1863-S, 1864-S and the 1865-S.

1861 $20.00 PCGS AU53

This coin has the naked-eye appearance of an AU58/MS61 but it has been net graded by PCGS on account of some light obverse hairlines. It is extremely clean with almost no abrasions and the naked-eye appearance is exceptional. The most affordable Civil War double eagle and a good Type One type coin.

1859-S $20.00 NGC EF45

Medium to deep green gold with contrasting splashes of reddish color on much of the obverse and reverse give this nice example good overall eye appeal. The 1859-S is a date that is not often seen with natural color.

1858-S $20.00 PCGS AU50

Dark and dirty with a decidedly "Euro" look that is almost two-tone in appearance on account of the contrast between the fields and the high spots. There is a good deal of luster below the deep orange-gold color. Some marks in the left obverse field limit the grade. Not an easy date to find in grades higher than this and an issue seldom found with original color.

1852 $20.00 NGC EF45

This lustrous example shows attractive deep sunset-gold splashes with some reddish encrustation at 9:00 on the obverse and at 10:00 on the reverse. For the grade, this piece shows a good degree of luster. A nice, affordable early date Type One.

1903-O $10.00 PCGS MS63

Only a handful of New Orleans eagles exist in MS63 and higher grades and the 1903-O is one of the most affordable. I used to have to pay over $3,000 to purchase a nice quality PCGS MS63 but premiums for this date have dropped in recent years and I think it is a great value in the mid-2000's. This piece has especially good color with deep, rich natural orange-gold hues atop moderately abraded, very frosty surfaces. A small spot on the reverse, located below the right talon, shows that this piece hasn't been dipped as have so many higher grade 1903-O eagles.