As recently as a few years ago, the true rarity of this Civil War eagle was not really known outside of the Liberty Head eagle specialist community but this changed when a PCGS AU58 example sold for $25,300 in the Stack’s 8/10 auction. There were 10,960 struck but most 1862 eagles were melted and the number known today is likely no more than 100-125 in all grades. I have never seen or heard of an Uncirculated piece and this date is very rare in the higher AU grades. Most of the coins in AU holders are heavily abraded and have been dipped and this clean, natural-looking coin has the best eye appeal of an 1862 eagle that I have seen in years; including the aforementioned PCGS A58. It has a good deal of luster below medium natural green-gold color and there are not many marks of note on the surfaces. A small area of natural toning surrounding the eagle’s head and upper wings serves as ready identification. CAC has approved three 1862 eagles in AU53 and three better.