1851-O $20 MS62 NGC. Variety 1....

Description

1851-O Double Eagle, MS62
Gold Rush Composition

1851-O $20 MS62 NGC. Variety 1. Several minor die varieties exist for the 1851 New Orleans double eagles. This example, which ranks in the Condition Census for the issue, has myriad tiny rust lumps on Liberty's bust, especially on the neck and around the eye. A late die state, the obverse exhibits a fine die crack through star 7 to the coronet, tops of LIB, Liberty's hair, and the right field to star 12. A faint die polishing line is noted over the date. The reverse has a microscopic die crack through the denomination, with many die polishing lines.

This is the most plentiful double eagle issued at the New Orleans Mint, with a coinage of 315,000 pieces. That is nearly double the next highest mintage New Orleans double eagle. The original gold deposit records for the Louisiana Mint are preserved at the National Archives branch in Fort Worth, Texas, and show that more than 90% of the deposits from 1850 to 1853 consisted of California Gold Rush-mined gold.

This impressive piece ranks high on the list of surviving examples. NGC and PCGS have each certified a single MS63 submission, followed by six and eight MS62 examples, respectively (10/18). The surfaces are brilliant lemon-yellow with sharp details, bright mint luster, and partially reflective fields. A single mark on Liberty's cheek prevents a higher grade. The MS63 PCGS example that Goldberg Auctions sold in June 2016 is from the same reverse die as this piece. Raised die lines within the constellation that we first thought were planchet rifts appear on the reverse of that coin as well, proving they are die defects. This coin is stunning and destined for a top-quality collection of Liberty double eagles. The present offering is equal to the finest 1851-O double eagles we have offered in any of our auctions, and it is the third appearance of this piece in one of our Signature sales.(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 268J, PCGS# 8905, Greysheet# 9844)

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 NGC