1861-S Gold Eagle NGC AU53. An about uncirculated, and totally original example of this scarce Civil War eagle. While the Philadelphia Mint issue of this denomination is easily acquired, the issue produced in San Francisco is much scarcer. 15,500 pieces were produced in the year that the Civil War commenced, and examples are scarce in all grades. Most immediately went into circulation, and stayed there for some time, all in the western states as gold and silver was hoarded in the east.

As a result, this issue is easily acquired in grades below EF, but gets extremely difficult to find in higher grades. This is a piece that spent a short time in circulation, but still has abundant luster remaining on both sides. An original green-gold color is seen on both sides, the natural coloration of all gold coins from this era.

Except for honest circulation that accounts for the grade, the present coin has no distracting marks on either side. Sharply struck, the reverse is especially bold. A scarce and underrated issue that is not easily acquired in such original condition as this piece.