1856-O $20 AU55 PCGS. The 1856-O Twenty, like its 1854-O counterpart, is a renowned U.S. gold rarity, having been struck fr...

Description

Legendary 1856-O Liberty Double Eagle AU55

1856-O $20 AU55 PCGS. The 1856-O Twenty, like its 1854-O counterpart, is a renowned U.S. gold rarity, having been struck from an even tinier mintage of just 2,250 pieces. It holds the arguable distinction (it is really VERY close when compared to the 1854-O) of being the rarest New Orleans Double Eagle and is seldom offered for sale in any grade. Only 15-20 pieces are known and at the AU55 level this is a solid Condition Census piece, although not among the listings in the Winter reference on New Orleans gold. The only markedly finer piece we have offered is the incomparable SP63 coin sold in the June 2004 Long Beach Sale for over $540,000, and would bring considerably more if offered today. It can be accurately stated that a coin of equal condition might not surface for many years.
The striking details are well defined for the issue, with excellent strength of detail on Liberty's hair and essentially complete definition on the peripheral stars. Mildly reflective, as is characteristic, the green-gold surfaces show a slight accent of reddish patina. The obverse is moderately abraded with the most obvious visual distractions being a shallow scrape in the left field and a couple of short marks between stars 9 and 10. Overall, an attractive and solidly graded example of one of the most important and desirable of all United States coins. Population: 3 in 55, 2 finer (6/05).(#8918)(Registry values: N10218)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 268Z, PCGS# 8918, GSID# 9863)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 33.44 grams
AGW: 0.9675oz
Mintage: 2,250

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

View Certification Details from PCGS