The 1868 is the scarcest Type Two double eagle from the Philadelphia mint. It is not often seen in grades above AU53 to AU55 and almost never with natural color and surfaces.

This fresh-to-the-market example was recently found in Europe and it shows deep, even green-gold color but without the dark highlights seen on many coin from these sources. The obverse is very choice with the detail and body of an AU55 or better; the reverse shows some scattered bag abrasions. This is one of the few 1868 double eagles in this grade range I have seen with totally natural color and it is very desirable as such.

No AU53 example of this date has sold at auction since 2010 and the last PCGS graded example brought $7,188 as Bowers and Merena 1/08: 593.

I recently listed (and quickly sold) a PCGS AU58/CAC 1868 and was surprised at how many collectors enquired about it. This more affordable example should appeal to at least some of these specialists as well.

CAC has approved three in this grade with seven finer.

On hold.