1863 Liberty Head Eagle. AU-50 (PCGS). OGH. A highly appealing example of this leading rarity in the No Motto Liberty eagle series. Uniformly well defined throughout with only minimal handling across the high points and considerable luster in the protected areas. The obverse is well composed and free of significant blemishes, while old marks beneath D of UNITED and E of STATES provide pedigree markers on the reverse. Evenly toned in handsome sandy-gold patina, this is certainly one of the most impressive survivors of this elusive issue that we have handled in recent years. Just 7 coins have been graded finer by PCGS and only 1 of those at the Mint State level. <p><p>Yearly production of circulation strike eagles at the Philadelphia Mint fell off markedly after Northern banks stopped paying out gold coins at par in exchange for paper currency in late December 1861. While the 1862 was produced in far fewer numbers than the 1861, the effects of this suspension in specie payments on eagle production really came to the fore in 1863, when just 1,248 were struck, one of the lowest mintages for a circulation strike No Motto Liberty eagle. A celebrated rarity that is always in demand among advanced gold enthusiasts, the extant population for the 1863 is thought to be fewer than 50 coins across the grading spectrum. (The experts at PCGS CoinFacts account for just 30 to 45 survivors.) Mint State examples are so rare that most numismatists will never see one, let alone have the chance to make a purchase. Sharp and inviting at the lustrous AU level, the present offering represents an important bidding opportunity.<p>
