Featured Specials

The New Orleans Mint gold deposit books (preserved at the Fort Worth, Texas branch of the National Archives) record 24 deposits of gold dated January 2 through January 28. Major depositors were Citizen's Bank (seven deposits, 6,661 ounces), Bank of Louisiana (three deposits, 3,588 ounces), and Cramer & Co. (three deposits, 3,402 ounces). During that period, 11 other depositor from eight individuals accounted for 261 ounces of gold. Among items from those depositors were 29,000 sovereigns, South American and Mexican "doubloons," jewelry, and mixed bullion. Deposits totaled 13,912 ounces of gold. The total mintage of 1861-O double eagles is recorded as 17,741 pieces, struck under three authorities, the Union, the State of Louisiana, and the Confederacy. That production indicates that additional unrecorded gold deposits occurred after January 28. In Gold Coins of the New Orleans Mint: 1839-1909, research suggests that 5,000 were struck by the United States government through January 26, 9,750 were struck by the State of Louisiana from January 26 to March 31, and 2,991 were struck by the Confederate government in April 1861. The 1861-O double eagle is known with a full date, or with a weak date having the lower parts of each digit nearly or entirely absent. The dies and die states of the 1861-O twenties require continued study. This AU53 example has an above average strike with hints of honey-gold color on its somewhat reflective surfaces, showing strong luster. The surfaces have a few trivial marks, although this piece lacks the deep marks that historically are typical.

The Carson City Mint resumed coinage operations in October of 1889 after being inactive for a period of four years during the first Grover Cleveland administration. Only 350,000 Morgan dollars were produced during the final four months of 1889. The 1889-CC mintage was actually higher than a few other Carson City dollar issues -- namely the 1881-CC and 1885-CC -- but those earlier issues are more available in Mint State due to the release of significant quantities from the General Services Administration holdings in the early 1970s. In contrast, the 1889-CC Morgan dollar stands out for its rarity in Mint State and presents a challenge even in circulated grades, making it one of the most sought-after key dates in the series. It is only surpassed in rarity by the 1893-S (and the proof-only 1895). The example offered here boasts vibrant, brilliant luster and a sharp strike, with minimal abrasions noted for its grade. Its eye appeal is exceptional, exceeding expectations for specimens of this date and mint mark.