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Lot
3056

1879-O $20 AU58 NGC....

2009 February Long Beach, CA Signature US Coin Auction #1122

 
Sold for: $63,250.00 (includes BP )
Bid Source: Internet
Auction Ended On: Feb 6, 2009
Item Activity: 10 Internet/mail/phone bidders
5,034 page views

Description:

Sharply Defined 1879-O Double Eagle, AU58

1879-O $20 AU58 NGC. Shortly after the Civil War began in 1861 the coining presses at the New Orleans Mint fell silent. After 18 years of dormancy, the sound of machinery once again echoed off the walls of the Southern minting facility. Other than the substantial production of 2.9 million silver dollars struck to help meet the requirements of the Bland-Allison Act, little else was coined under the roof of the newly revived building. A paltry 1,500 eagles dated 1879 were struck, along with a similarly diminutive 2,325 twenty dollar gold pieces. Barely behind the 1856-O twenty with a mintage of 2,250 coins, the 1879-O boasts the second lowest mintage of all O-mint double eagle issues.
Why so few gold coins were struck during the reopening of the New Orleans Mint is unknown, but is likely a combination of operational issues and the new focus on producing silver dollars. The following year saw an increase in the production of eagles and silver dollars, but a halt to the minting of O-mint double eagles. As such, the 1879-O is the only Type Three double eagle struck at the New Orleans Mint. The number of survivors is expectedly low, with 100 or so pieces believed extant in all grades. The second edition of Doug Winter's Gold Coins of the New Orleans Mint (2006) puts the surviving population at between 75-85 examples, while Dave Bowers' 2004 reference on the subject estimates as many as 126 extant pieces. The latter number was likely influenced by the combined NGC and PCGS population data, which documents 133 1879-O twenties in all grades as of (12/08), although there is little doubt that the total is artificially high due to multiple resubmissions.
One thing that Winter and Bowers agree upon is the number of Uncirculated survivors. Winter suggests three to five pieces extant against Bowers' estimate of four to six examples. The two major grading services record eight specimens in Mint State condition as of (12/08), although six of those pieces are encapsulated at the MS60 level, with the finest--the amazing Dallas Bank specimen and Akers plate coin--grading MS63. The current example is as close to an Uncirculated 1879-O twenty that one will get without encountering a six-figure price tag.
Crisp definition is apparent on this near-Mint State example, with none of the design features showing even hints of weakness. The bright yellow-gold surfaces exhibit ample luster, and reveal just a few minor circulation marks, but are devoid of significant alloy spots that often occur on examples of this issue. This piece features great technical quality and aesthetic appeal. Census: 11 in 58, 7 finer (12/08).
From The Grand Lake Collection.(Registry values: N4719) (#8990)

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Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments

Guides and Pricing Information:


Previous Prices from Heritage Auctions

Lot Date Grade Service Realized
Auction 1118, Lot 2478 Saturday, December 6, 2008 58 NGC $71,875.00
Auction 384, Lot 5064 Saturday, September 24, 2005 58 NGC $40,250.00
Auction 1132, Lot 1999 Sunday, December 6, 2009 58 PCGS $74,750.00
Auction 1125, Lot 1921 Sunday, May 31, 2009 58 PCGS $69,000.00
Auction 1117, Lot 3087 Saturday, October 25, 2008 58 PCGS $74,750.00
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PLEASE NOTE: All prices realized reflect the final hammer price PLUS the buyer's premium in auctions that charge a buyer's premium. Each item has a notation at the top of the listing indicating whether that lot included a buyer's premium. All information listed is intended to be as accurate as possible, but errors are possible. Please use this guide carefully and inform us of any inaccuracies.

Price Guide*

Grade Coin World
(Coin Values)
Numismedia
Retail
Numismedia
Wholesale
Numismedia
NGC (nmn)
Numismedia
PCGS (nmp)
PCGS
Price Guide
PCGS+
55 $70,000 $66,950 $51,500 $46,500 $47,500 $62,500 $66,000
58 $95,000 $87,750 $67,500 $59,500 $61,000 $80,000 $85,000
60 $135,000 $143,000 $110,000 $100,000 $100,000 $95,000 ---
*All information listed is intended to be as accurate as possible, but errors are possible. No item may be returned or refused based on this information which is provided as a service to our customers. You should contact each pricing source directly to determine the accuracy of this information.

Population Guide

Service Grade Population in this Grade Population of Higher Grade Population in All Grades + Mintage Engraver
PCGS Not available from PCGS 2,325 James B. Longacre
NGC 58 11 9 73 -
CAC 58 1 0 3 -
*This information is provided and owned by PCGS. Its display and use are subject to the licensed agreement between PCGS and Heritage Auctions.

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