RARE AND HISTORIC 1861-O DOUBLE EAGLE

The 1861-O double eagle is an issue with strong multiple levels of demand. It is the final year of issue for New Orleans Type One coinage and it is the only Civil War double eagle for which at least some were made by the Confederacy. It is scarce in the AU grade range and nearly all of the examples I have seen in AU50 and AU53 holders have negative eye appeal due to questionable color and poor quality surfaces.

This fresh to the market example has exceptional natural deep russet color which is similar to that seen on the few non-stripped 1861-O double eagles which survive. The surfaces are much cleaner than normal for the issue with no prominent marks and a clean, rounded cheek. Both sides have some remaining luster and the eye appeal is excellent.

Only one PCGS AU50 1861-O double eagle has sold at auction since January 2013 and it realized $51,406 as Stacks Bowers 3/15: 2593. In my opinion, the present offering is vastly superior.

This is a coin which is currently experiencing very strong demand and there are many collectors waiting for the "right" example to become available. This one will add considerable panache to someone's collection.