1865 Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-64 (NGC). Here is a solidly graded and highly desirable Choice Uncirculated coin that will appeal to discerning double eagle enthusiasts as well as collectors of shipwreck treasure. It is intensely lustrous with pale golden-wheat patina to both sides. Parallel die polish lines in the obverse field impart a modestly reflective finish that frames the satiny design elements; the reverse is universally satiny. Impressively smooth for the assigned grade and sure to sell for a strong bid.<p>Circulation strike double eagle production at the Philadelphia Mint amounted to 351,175 coins 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 <em>Guide Book of Double Eagles</em> published by Whitman in 2004. At the time this dovetailed nicely with David W. Akers research, as he found just 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 <em>S.S. Republic</em>. This is one of the finer certified examples from the <em>S.S. Republic</em> treasure, and it is a truly lovely coin for the assigned grade that would serve as a highlight in an advanced double eagle set. Ex <em>S.S. Republic</em>.
