Seized Assets Auctions puts rare $12,000 Double Eagle coin up for grabs

Later today and tomorrow, Seized Assets Auctioneers and GovernmentAuction will be offering a wide selection of types of collectibles with full online bidding - and the best part is that they're selling without reserve.

As is often the case, there are some reasonably nice pieces of jewellery on offer, but the pieces we'd recommend most strongly for investment purposes are two coins which are on offer in the Californian auctions.

There is an 1899 US gold Liberty Head $20 coin available on February 23 with an estimate of $4,515 - $9,030.

But collectors should hurry now and get in a bid on an 1877-CC $20 Liberty Head AU53 (as certified by the NGC) Double Eagle Gold Coin.

This is the first Type 3 coin issued from the historic Nevada Mint (the only significant design change seen on a CC double eagle) adding to its allure.

A gleaming face from the past - the 1877 Liberty Head coin

Much like the 1876-CC issue, many of these coins found their away abroad and only relatively recently were discovered and returned to the numismatic market.

Historically they were transported in bags and the result is that a large portion of the surviving population of these coins has heavy surface abrasions from handling.

In an environment where locating original and untouched coins is exceedingly difficult, a specimen such as the one offered here is a breath of fresh air.

Featuring an excellent strike and clean surfaces, this example has a wonderful natural look and only very modest touches of wear. A delightful and historic double eagle, it is expected to bring $8,000 - $12,000 when the earlier auction closes in several hours' time.