FROM THE BIGMO CIVIL WAR COLLECTION Here is an exceptionally RARE Civil War date eagle, a date that from an original mintage of 3,530 there are about 40 or so, the majority of which are circulated and or have serious issues. It is important to note that this date is so rare that the Smithsonian Institution's National Numismatic Collection lacks a business strike example of this date; Norweb's coin was called "AU58"; Eliasberg had a Proof; Harry Bass had a coin that was described as "AU58 details, polished" and a PCGS AU55. The present AU50 is a really nice example of this very tough date. Hints of luster cling to the fields, particularly on the reverse. Wear is limited to the highest points and appears as minor friction hairlines on the surfaces. The rich orange-olive tinged gold color is a real delight. A few tiny bag marks are seen, none of which are overly distracting to the eye, nor are inappropriate for the assigned grade. PCGS 5, NGC 4. No AU50, graded by either service has sold in auction in 15 years. A PCGS XF45 sold in June 2008 for $8,050 (that is a dozen years ago), and the Harvey Jacobson Collection had the Simpson-Hall AU53, which sold for $28,800 in February 2020. The current Collectors Universe value is listed at $17,500, and it would come as no surprise to us if this one brought that, or more. This major rarity is lacking from many collections and will see fierce bidding when it crosses the block! If you are putting together a set of this highly challenging series, be prepared! Cert. Number 25610220 PCGS # 8639