1852 $20.00 PCGS MS61

While very common in all circulated grades, the 1852 double eagle is very scarce in Uncirculated and is almost never seen above the MS61 to MS62 level. So far in 2012, there have been exactly two MS61 examples that have sold at auction: a PCGS/CAC piece that brought $10,925 in Heritage's 4/12 sale and an NGC/CAC MS61 that realized $9,775 in this firm's 3/12 sale. The present example is certainly more "new" than these others with fuller luster and very, very choice surfaces. A few light scuffs in the left obverse field seem to be all that separates this piece from a higher grade and the level of eye appeal is quite high for the grade. There is a big price jump to MS62 for this date and a nice PCGS MS61 like this should appeal to most Type One collectors.

1852 $20.00 NGC EF45

This lustrous example shows attractive deep sunset-gold splashes with some reddish encrustation at 9:00 on the obverse and at 10:00 on the reverse. For the grade, this piece shows a good degree of luster. A nice, affordable early date Type One.

1852 $20.00 NGC MS61 CAC

Normal Date variety. For many collectors, the most realistic Type One double eagles to acquire in Uncirculated are the 1851 and 1852. A few years ago, it was possible to buy a nice, fresh Mint State example for around $5,000. But these coins are hugely popular and prices have now crept up to the $7,000-8,000 range. This lovely fresh-to-the-market example has great orange-gold and rose color atop slightly scuffy but very frosty and vibrant surfaces. There is no evidence whatsoever of dipping and the naked-eye appearance is very high end for both the date and grade. If you need a nice Type One double eagle for your set, I'd suggest you don't wait any longer as it is not out of the question that similar quality coins will approach the five-figure marks in just a couple of years.

1852 $20.00 NGC AU55 CAC

A choice, lightly worn example that is characterized by extreme originality. The surfaces are frosty with medium rich orange-gold hues and there are very few of the deep, excessive abrasions that are typical for the issue.