This exquisite double eagle ranks among the finest known survivors of a challenging and underrated issue. Warm orange-gold patina can be seen on both sides along with complete mint luster in a satin to softly frosted texture. Sharply struck and overall smooth, this beautiful coin is sure to please even the most discerning double eagle specialist.The final Type I Liberty double eagle from the Philadelphia Mint, the 1865 is scarce to rare in all grades. The examples most often encountered in numismatic circles grade VF or EF. Some diligence will be required even to locate an attractive, solidly graded AU-50 or AU-53. In Choice AU the 1865 is very scarce, while Mint State coins are very rare and seldom offered. The present example is one of the finest that we have ever offered, as recognized in our cataloging for its 1988 auction appearance: "We have not seen or heard of a true Gem of this issue, so in all likelihood, this specimen, if not the absolute <strong>Finest Known</strong>, is certainly one of the top few." While a small number of MS-64s, MS-65s and even a lone NGC MS-66 have been certified since the late 1980s, this important piece still qualifies as Condition Census for the issue. It is a beautiful coin that should attract enthusiastic bidding when it crosses the auction block.
