1863 Double Eagle AU53 NGC. This Civil War-era twenty dollar gold coin, struck in the year of Gettysburg, which is perhaps the greatest military battle of the Civil War. This double eagle gold coin is scarce to rare at all grade levels. The population report on this specimen, which surely contains duplication shows 24 coins in this grade. This Choice About Uncirculated 53 example is well struck and shows a minimal amount of wear for a lightly circulated coin, along with a few noticeable abrasions on each side. From The Kiawah Collection.

1863 $20 NGC AU53 CAC Ex: Kiawah collection. Struck in the middle of the American Civil war, this popular issue is scarce in all grades but becomes rare in About Uncirculated and almost impossible to find in Mint State. Circulation of this issue was low, and consequently many were exported and/or later melted, causing in low populations in all grades up to the present day. The total mintage of this issue was 142,790 pieces, but unlike many other issues the 1863 double eagle was only found in extremely limited numbers in shipwrecks. Coins like these have become increasingly popular in recent times in grades as offered here, as the high prices on Mint state coins, extremely difficult to find to virtually non-existent make them out of reach for many collectors. This would be an affordable alternative, as quality About Uncirculated coins remain difficult to find.

Made in an important year of American history, this piece has been certified by CAC to confirm its identity as a true AU coin. Wear is limited to the highest points, which remain well detailed, a further indication of the strike on this particular coin. It is obvious that the coin circulated for a limited time, but bagmarks are small and none of them are overly distracting. The coin has slightly toned to a lighter yellow color which is quite pleasing in hand. Nice quality for the grade and a great coin at an affordable level for the specialist of double eagles or Civil War gold coinage.