1855 $20 MS63+ PCGS. CAC....

Description

1855 Double Eagle, Fully Struck MS63+
CAC-Approved Registry-Grade Example
Underrated Condition Rarity

1855 $20 MS63+ PCGS. CAC. The Philadelphia Mint, which churned out 364,666 double eagles in 1855, was surpassed in twenty dollar gold production for the first time by its San Francisco counterpart that year. Output reached 879,675 pieces at the West Coast facility. The 1855 is considered an available date in the series, but it is actually scarce in AU condition and decidedly rare in Mint State, about 10 times rarer than the 1855-S in MS60 or finer. Doug Winter reports a survivorship of 15 to 20 Uncirculated 1855 twenties. The 58 Mint State submissions at PCGS and NGC combined are undoubtedly inflated by crossovers and resubmissions (7/25).

Doug Winter regards this coin as the second finest example of the date behind the Hansen-Crawford coin, which sold for $126,550 as MS64 PCGS in 2006. That coin has since been upgraded to MS65+ PCGS. This piece is right there behind it. It brought $69,000 when it sold at public auction in 2006, shortly after the sale of the previously mentioned coin. We would not be surprised in the slightest to see this blatantly high-end Select offering reach or even exceed that level, considering how few examples of this quality are extant and how rarely they are made available.

Natural medium yellow-gold color and minimal surface abrasions are standout qualities. Whereas the 1855 usually comes with subdued, satin luster, this piece enjoys shimmering mint frost. The devices on both sides are absolutely fully struck. The high quality within the grade is confirmed by CAC. According to Winter, this is one of a few P-mint issues from the middle part of the decade that "remain highly undervalued and offer the savvy collector an excellent opportunity to purchase truly scarce coins at prices which are still reasonable." This coin is pictured on PCGS CoinFacts. Population: 2 in 63 (1 in 63+), 2 finer. CAC: 2 in 63, 1 finer (7/25).
Ex: Old West and Franklinton Collections (American Numismatic Rarities, 8/2006), lot 1607; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2018), lot 5095; ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2023), lot 3246; Dallas Signature (Heritage, 11/2024), lot 3881.(Registry values: N1)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 268V, PCGS# 8914, Greysheet# 9791)

Weight: 33.44 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

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