1865 Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-65 (NGC).Solidly graded Gem Uncirculated quality that will appeal to advanced double eagle enthusiasts as well as collectors of shipwreck treasure. Intensely lustrous with pale golden-wheat hues across each side. Parallel die polish lines in the obverse field impart a reflective and satiny complexion that frames the frosty devices. Impressively smooth for the assigned grade with a network of interesting die cracks throughout the reverse legends. Just 2 coins from this shipwreck have been graded finer by NGC.<p>Circulation strike double eagle production at the Philadelphia Mint amounted to 351,175 coins, or $7,023,500 in face value, in 1865. Since gold coins continued to be hoarded in the East and Midwest, these were available only at a premium in terms of Legal Tender notes. Q. David Bowers estimated a surviving population of only 14 to 18 different Mint State examples in his Guide Book of Double Eagles published by Whitman in 2004. At the time this dovetailed nicely with David W. Akers research, as he found a scant eight auction listings of specimens cataloged as Uncirculated when he wrote his widely used double eagle reference book in 1982. Later came news from Odyssey Marine Exploration of 363 pieces found in the wreck of the S.S. Republic. We once again remind readers that these coins were not in general circulation at the time, but were owned by those who paid a sharp premium for them in terms of Legal Tender notes. This is one of the finest certified examples from the S.S. Republic treasure, and it is a truly lovely coin for the assigned grade that would serve as a highlight in an advanced double eagle set.<p>PCGS# 8944. NGC ID: 269U.NGC Census (S.S. Republic category): 2; none finer.Ex S.S. Republic.<p><p>
