1863 Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-53 (PCGS). CAC. Vivid deep honey-orange surfaces are boldly to sharply defined from the rims to the centers. The mint finish is nearly full, and both sides retain ample evidence of semi-prooflike reflectivity in the fields. The Philadelphia Mint produced just 142,790 circulation strike double eagles in 1863. Due to hoarding, the issue did not circulate in the East or Midwest. Gold coins were available only by paying a sharp premium for them. It is likely that many double eagles of this era were exported and melted at their destination, as Uncirculated examples have not turned up in European bank hoards. In fact, many of the 50 to 55 Mint State pieces extant have been recovered from the wreck of the <em>S.S. Republic</em> by Odyssey Marine Exploration. Given that the 1863 is scarce even in circulated grades (Bowers, 2004, accounts for just 200 to 300 worn examples), the opportunity to acquire this premium quality AU-53 deserves serious bidder attention.