RARE AND VERY DESIRABLE UNCIRCULATED CIVIL WAR ISSUE 1864 DOUBLE EAGLE

The 1864 is the third scarcest of five Civil War double eagles from the Philadelphia mint. Until the discovery of 17 Uncirculated examples from the S.S. Republic this date was nearly impossible to locate in Uncirculated. I estimate 25-35 are known in this range with most grading MS60 to MS62.

Although not designated as such by PCGS, the appearance of this coin strongly suggests it is from the above-referenced shipwreck. It literally drips with frosty mint luster and both sides are exquisitely detailed. The obverse has some grade-limiting scuffs in the left field while the reverse is nearly of Gem quality. Both sides show subtle but attractive golden-rose hues which are deepest at the rims.

Only two PCGS MS61 1864 double eagles have sold at auction since June 2008 and the last to cross the block was much inferior to the present coin; it realized $20,700 as Stacks Bowers 5/12: 4413. Two PCGS MS62's sold in 2014 and brought $47,000 and $52,875, respectively.

This is an important coin which will appeal to both the Civil War collector and the advanced Type One specialist.

From the Reed Collection.