1866
Double Eagle - 1876 Double Eagle: Set of Two Double Eagles
The
numismatic adventure can be enriched by acquiring groups of
coins in meaningful combinations. Sets of coins can run from
two pieces to many. In the areas of rare date and early silver
and gold coins we have established certain sets of special
interest. They include the first and last of an issue, type
sets, design sets, year sets, and those that are joined by
historical events such as the Civil War. The coins of each
set are specially selected for you and your collecting needs.
We are specialists in this
area and will expertly and confidentially help you assemble
a set similar to the one you see below, which is made up of
pieces from the US Rare Coin Investments’ archives.
We will cherry pick through millions of dollars of rare coins
selecting only the finest quality pieces for your collection.
A Set of First and
Last Double Eagles, Liberty Head Type 2 1866 and 1876
The Type 2 double eagle
was first issued in 1866. It was created when the motto
IN GOD WE TRUST was added to the reverse above the eagle
within the oval of stars. This change did not greatly affect
the rest of the design.
Both before and during the
Civil War almost a dozen Protestant denominations pressured
Congress to add references to God to the Constitution and
other government documents. Reverend Mark Richards Watkinson
was the first to write to Treasury Secretary Salmon Chase
to request that God’s name be added to our coinage.
His suggestion for a motto was “God, Liberty, Law.”
Chase ordered Mint Director James Pollock to prepare a suitable
motto. Pollock’s suggestions included “Our Trust
Is In God,” “Our God And Our Country,”
and “God Our Trust.” Then Chase decided on “In
God We Trust” to be added to most of the nation’s
coinage. This motto was a subtle reminder that the North
considered itself on the side of God with regard to the
issue of slavery. A new law was required to allow the motto
to be added since previous acts of Congress specified the
mottos and devices that were permitted on coins. The new
motto was placed on all coins that were deemed large enough
to accommodate it.
1866
Double Eagle - The 1866 double eagle
was the first issued with the new motto added. It
is easily available in VF to XF grades. It is scarce
in AU and rare in Mint State. Most pieces did not
circulate. They were melted or exported for trade.
At the time of issue collectors were more interested
in Proof coins from the Mint.
This well struck, first-year-of-type
1866 double eagle has significant mint luster on both
sides. Full details are seen in the centers of the
stars, Liberty’s hair, and the design details
of the reverse, especially the eagle. The surfaces
are original and clean for the grade.
1876
Double Eagle - The last year of the
Type 2 double eagle was 1876. The Philadelphia issue
is one of the more obtainable coins of the type; however,
it is a condition rarity and is not easily available
in higher Mint State grades.
Mint luster blooms on both sides of
this mint state 1876 double eagle. A few surface abrasions
keep this delightful coin from a higher mint state
grade. The strike is above average in that all of
the design features are clear except for a few lines
of hair on the obverse. Light clash marks are seen
on both sides, which do not detract from the desirability
of the coin or its grade.
