1863 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle NGC MS-63 Great Kentucky Hoard CAC

The 1863 gold Double Eagle from the Great Kentucky Hoard is a remarkable coin, prized for its exceptional preservation, stunning frosty wheat-gold luster, and rich provenance. Minted during the Civil War, when gold coinage was scarce due to hoarding, the Philadelphia Mint produced just 142,790 business strike Double Eagles, with only 30 Proofs. These coins rarely circulated in the East or Midwest, often requiring a premium to acquire, and many were likely exported and melted, making Uncirculated examples exceptionally rare. This coin’s journey from minting to burial and rediscovery in the Kentucky Hoard—where it was part of an original bank roll of pristine Mint State Double Eagles—adds to its allure. Graded MS63 by NGC, it is among the finest known, with only one finer example (also from the Hoard) and the PCGS MS64 example in the Hansen PCGS Registry Set. 

Its dazzling eye appeal and minimal handling (likely fewer than ten hands since minting) make it a standout in the Condition Census for this elusive Civil War-era issue. Historically, double eagles were overlooked by collectors due to their high face value, short history, and perceived lack of artistic or historic appeal. Wealthy collectors favored Proofs over high-grade business strikes, and by the time interest grew, early dates like the 1863 had circulated heavily, making high-quality examples nearly unobtainable. 

Before the Kentucky Hoard, only 35 examples were recovered from the S.S. Republic wreck, with 17 graded Uncirculated but mostly low-grade. No 1863 Double Eagles were found on the S.S. Brother Jonathan. With an estimated surviving population of just 200–300 circulated examples, the 1863 is the third rarest Type I Double Eagle from the Philadelphia Mint, surpassed only by the 1853/2 and 1862. The Smithsonian lacks a circulation strike example, and even the notable Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection featured only an Extremely Fine specimen. 

CAC has endorsed 42 coins across all grades, with nine in Mint State (MS60–MS64), three at MS63, and one at MS64—all from the Kentucky Hoard. For value context, a comparable 1864 $20 in MS64 sold for $207,000 in 2011 and $282,000 in 2014, underscoring the 1863’s rarity and desirability. 

Product ID	555912
Year	1863
Mint Mark
Strike	MS
Grade	MS-63
Variety	Great Kentucky Hoard
Precious Metal Weight	0.9675 ozt Gold
Grading Agency	NGC
Specification properties	CAC
Serial	2140669-018
Status	Active
Designation	-
Additional Info	-