The 1868 is the most available Reconstruction Era eagle from the Philadelphia mint but it is still a relatively scarce issue with under 200 known from the original mintage of 10,630. It is not hard to locate in the lowest AU grades but properly graded AU55′s are very scarce. I am aware of only one Uncirculated 1868 eagle, a coin graded MS62 by PCGS.

This coin has a distinct “Euro” appearance and it is likely that it was stored in an overseas bank vault for many decades. The rich orange-gold surfaces are contrasted by darker hues on the highlights. There is a good amount of natural luster present and this coin has very little actual wear; just some scattered scuffs and rubbing from being transported loose in a bag. The eye appeal is excellent.

Two non-CAC AU55 1868 eagles have sold at auction so far in 2014. A PCGS example brought $2,820 as Heritage 4/14: 6616 while an NGC piece realized $3,015 as Heritage 2/14: 5400.

This is an affordable yet far above average 1868 eagle which offers excellent value to the savvy specialist.

CAC has approved two in this grade with five finer (all AU58).