1865-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. Small S. S.S. Republic Label. MS-63 (NGC). A splendid example with light golden color blanketing both sides. The surfaces are expectably smooth for the assigned grade and possess a softly frosted texture. A well executed strike to the central motifs adds to the appeal of this lovely piece. The 1865-S was once considered an extreme rarity in Uncirculated condition. David Akers in his 1982 double eagle reference book accounted for just three listings of Mint State examples in a survey of more than 400 major auction sales. This all changed in 1999 when gold coins excavated from the wreck of the <em>S.S. Brother Jonathan</em> came on the market. Nearly 600 Mint State examples were recovered from the wreck. Wait, theres more! Later, the wreck of the <em>S.S. Republic</em> yielded 939 pieces. All of these treasure coins were quickly snapped up by eager buyers - testimony to the depth and breadth of the rare coin market - and offerings today are for single examples, often at widely spaced intervals. This is an opportunity not to be missed. PCGS# 8944. NGC ID: 269V.
