RARE PCGS/CAC MS62 1863-S DOUBLE EAGLE

Prior to the discovery of the S.S. Bother Jonathan and S.S. Republic shipwrecks, the 1863-S was almost impossible to locate in higher grades. Today, this issue is sometimes available in the lowest range of Uncirculated but it remains rare in properly graded MS62 and it is very rare finer than this. The finest known are a pair of MS64's graded by PCGS.

While not designated as such by PCGS, I am reasonably certain that this coin traces its origin to the S.S. Republic; this observation is based on its appearance. It is frosty and very clean for the grade with good overall detail and attractive rich rose and orange-gold hues. The obverse shows a few minor scuffs in the left obverse field and on the cheek while the reverse grades MS63 to MS64 on its own.

Only one PCGS MS62 example of this date has sold at auction since 2013 and it was not CAC approved; it realized $18,800 as Heritage 1/17: 6009.

This is an important coin with dual desirability as a Civil War issue and an uncommonly choice piece for the Type One double eagle specialist.

CAC has approved 5 in this grade with just 1 finer.

From the North Dakota Collection