| Description |
1865-S $20 AU55 NGC. CAC. The 1865-S double eagle was once considered rare in high grades, but the salvage of more than 500 examples from the wreck of the S.S. Brother Jonathan, and nearly 250 more pieces from the hull of the S.S. Republic, forever changed the rarity of this issue. As the two ships sank in July and October 1865, respectively, many of the coins recovered understandably remain in Mint State condition. Nevertheless, the moderate availability of high-grade survivors hardly inhibits demand for this Civil War-era San Francisco issue. The Choice AU example offered here boasts unusually clean surfaces for the grade, with only slight wear over the high points. Each side exhibits rich olive-gold patina, with fiery apricot luster framing the relief elements. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Realized $3525.00. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions. |
