CIVIL WAR DATE 1864 $20: PCGS/CAC AU58

The 1864 trails the 1862 and 1863 as the hardest Civil War era double eagle from the Philadelphia mint. When available, the 1864 tends to come in the EF and lower AU grades and properly graded AU58 pieces are scarce, especially with natural color and choice surfaces.

This is an unquestionably original 1864 double eagle with deep, rich orange-gold color with subtle green-gold undertones. This piece has extremely clean surfaces for the issue with no problematic scuffs and there is just the slightest amount of friction seen on the high spots. The eye appeal is well above average for the date and grade.

A total of three PCGS AU58 1864 double eagles have sold at auction in 2016 and they have traded for a low of $16,450 to a high of $17,625. I just sold another PCGS AU58 (without CAC approval) to a knowledgeable wholesaler for $17,000.

Unless you have very deep pockets and are holding out for an Uncirculated 1864 double eagle (I just sold a PCGS MS61) this choice CAC approved AU58 is about as nice an example as you are likely to locate.

CAC has approved 5 in this grade with 8 finer.