1853/2 $20.00 PCGS AU50 CAC

/

Its status as the only overdate in the Liberty Head double eagle series makes the 1853/2 a very in-demand coin. It is especially desirable in collector grades (i.e., EF40 to AU50) and it becomes prohibitively expensive in the higher AU to Mint State range. This lustrous example has light green-gold color and very good detail. Its shows the diagnostic die dot below the right foot of the R in LIBERTY and the "spray" behind the neck of Liberty (a clashmark). Remarkably, there has been but one PCGS AU50 example of this variety sold at auction since 2004, Heritage 7/10: 4823 which brought $4,313.

This is the only CAC approved example of this date in AU50. Three finer pieces have been approved as well.

1853/2 $10.00 NGC AU53 CAC

/

There is only one (count them: one) legitimate overdate in all the Liberty Head eagle series: the 1853/2. This is an unquestionable overdate with evidence of the 2 clearly in the lower loop of the 3. I think this variety is clearly underrated and this surprises me, given the surge in popularity of this series. This coin is very choice for the grade with the appearance of an AU55. Unlike most 1853/2 eagles, it lacks serious marks and the surfaces exhibit a good deal of luster below light green-gold color. The last APR for an NGC AU53 is Heritage 3/12: 4106 but this coin was non-CAC and not nearly as choice as the current example. Terrific value for the collector who likes unusual coins.

CAC has approved three in this grade with five finer.

1853/2 $10.00 NGC AU55

/

The 1853/2 is one of only two legitimate overdates in the Liberty Head series along with the 1839/8 Head of 1838. It is not really as rare as once claimed in lower grades but it is scarce in properly graded AU55 to AU58 and extremely rare in full Mint State (I have only seen two and none better than MS61). When available in the middle AU grades, this issue tends to be processed and unattractive. The present example is one of the few 1853/2 eagles I have seen with nice color. The peripheries on both the obverse and reverse have acquired a fiery reddish-gold hue that nicely contrasts the natural lighter rose-gold centers. There is a good deal of luster present and the abrasions that are present are commensurate with the grade. A few small obverse rim marks at 9:00 to 10:00 do not detract.