LIBERTY
HEAD (NO MOTTO ON REVERSE) TWENTY DOLLARS OR DOUBLE EAGLE
(1849-1866)
1863 Double Eagle
1863
Double Eagle
PCGS No:
8932, 9073
Mintage:
Circulation
strikes:
142,790
Proofs:
30
Designer:
James Barton
Longacre
Diameter:
±34
millimeters
Metal content:
Gold - 90%
Other - 10%
Weight:
±516
grains (±33.4 grams)
Edge:
Reeded
Mintmark:
None (for
Philadelphia) below the eagle's tail on the reverse.
Introduction:
The mintage of gold coins at the Philadelphia Mint in
1863 was low for all denominations. In fact, there were
no quarter eagles struck at all. The double eagles for
the year are scarce in all grades. None were found on
the S.S. Brother Jonathan, and only 35 examples were
on the S.S. Republic. The 1863 issue is very rare in
Mint State, with just a few pieces known in choice condition.
The circulation-strike issues from Philadelphia were
not collected at the time of issue, as Proof coins were
the preferred standard. In fact, the Smithsonian lacks
an example of the issue. Key to Collecting: The 1863 double
eagle is scarce in all grades. Most are VF and EF, punctuated
by occasional offerings of AU examples. True Mint State
coins are so rare that many old-rimers have never seen
one. Proofs come on the market from time to time, are
rare, and when seen usually show hairlines even if catalogued
as "gem." Aspects of Striking: Usually well struck. Die Data: 1863 four-digit date logotype
with 18 close; 86 widest, and 63 with spacing more dian
18 but not quite as much as 86. Top interior space of
8 with, perhaps, just 60% of the area of the lower interior
space; 3 with smaller knob at top. Logotype used on
all dies and at both mints. Proof die data and notes: On the Proof
die, it was impressed very lightiy, and thus the figures
appear more delicate than on typical business strikes.
First 1 (1861) closer to neck than to dentils. Trompeter Specimen: Date high and well
to right; partial extra outlines at fourth to sixth
stars; dentils well apart at lower right. Reverse die
of 1861-2, again repolished.
Number of Appearances:
72 (16%)
High Grade Condition Points: 19
Auction Records:
(15) Proof:
New England 12/76; ANA 1976; Stack's 3/76; ANA 1974;
DiBello 1970; Wolfson 1962; Melish 1956; Farouk
1954; Menjou 1950; MC 1948; Lee 1947; Atwater 1946;
WGC 1946; Bell 1944; Dunham 1941
Comments: As a date, the 1863 is not quite as rare
as the 1862 but it is even more rare than the 1862
in high grade. I have personally seen only two 1863's
that I would call Unc. (both 60 quality only) and
just a handful of legitimate All's. Almost the entire
business strike population of this date grades only
VF or EF. Proofs of this date are very rare; only
an estimated 11-12 still exist. However, along with
the 1862 and 1864. the 1863 is one of the three most
often encountered proofs prior to 1881. In terms of
overall rarity. I put the 1863 on the same level as
such dates as the 1855, 1856, 1857, 1858 and 1864
among others.
