RARE 1860-O DOUBLE EAGLE GRADED AU53 BY PCGS

The 1860-O is in the second tier of rarity in the New Orleans double eagle subset along with the 1855-O and 1859-O. There were just 6,600 double eagles struck dated 1860-O and under 100 are known with most in the EF40 to AU50 range. It is harder--in my experience-- to locate a choice 1860-O with natural color and original surfaces than it is an 1855-O or 1859-O.

This example is totally fresh to the market and it has never been offered for sale before. It is immediately notable for its deep, even caramel-gold color which clings to the obverse and the reverse. Both sides show considerable underlying luster in the protected areas and the fields lack the typically-seen deep, detracting abrasions. There are two thin horizontal hairlines located on the cheek of Liberty which are very hard to see unless the coin is tilted into a light source.

A total of three AU53 1860-O double eagles (all in PCGS holders) have sold at auction since 2010. The last two both brought $55,813 in different 2014 events and I have handled them both. The current piece is the best of these three and it is clearly the most original.

This date is missing in most Type One collections and if you have been waiting for the "right" 1860-O, this is your coin!