In the midst of the American Civil War, the output at the Philadelphia Mint dropped considerably. The 1863 Liberty Gold Eagle (Buy on eBay) had just 1,218 pieces struck for circulation, representing the lowest mintage for the “No Motto” subtype produced between 1838 and 1866.
An estimated 30 to 40 pieces are still in existence with only two examples known in mint state grades. The finest known example is graded MS-63 and has been off the market for decades. The second finest known is graded MS-62 and was recovered from the shipwreck of the S.S. Republic.
The Philadelphia Mint also produced 30 proofs for this year. Approximately 12 proof examples are still known to exist. In January 2008, an 1863 Proof Liberty Gold Eagle graded NGC PF 65 Ultra Cameo realized a price of $138,000 at auction.
Coin Specifications
- Designer: Christian Gobrecht
- Composition: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
- Weight: 16.718 grams
- Diameter: 27 mm
- Edge: Reeded
