The 1863 is the third rarest Type One double eagle from Philadelphia, after the 1862 and the 1859. It is more available than these two dates inhigh grades (i.e., MS60 and above) but it is a very hard date to locate in the middle to higher AU grades.

This is a choice coin for thegrade with natural medium yellow-gold color which is accentuated by underlying flashes of pinkish-gold. There is a good deal of luster visible and the surfaces show far fewer marks than normal for the date and grade. There are a few light toning spots on the obverse including one between the 8 and the 6 in the date and a splash of natural coppery color at the center of the reverse on the shield.

The last AU55 to sell at auction was a PCGS (non-CAC) coin that brought $1,163 as Heritage 11/12: 5157. An NGC AU55 (also non-CAC) sold for $11,500 as Heritage 1/11: 7251.

This popular Civil War issue is in strong demand and I expect that this piece will sell quickly as it is fairly priced and very pleasing for the grade.

CAC has approved just two in this grade with three finer.