1855-O $20 AU55 PCGS. Variety 1....

Description

1855-O Twenty Dollar, AU55
High-End New Orleans Semikey
Only 8,000 Coins Struck

1855-O $20 AU55 PCGS. Variety 1. Wedged between two ultra-rarities in the 1854-O and 1856-O double eagles is the 1855-O. Although the two Louisiana issues that flank this one rightfully take precedence in the minds of collectors, the 1855-O holds its own as the most challenging of the "second-tier" New Orleans Mint rarities, ahead of the 1859-O, 1860-O, and 1861-O.

The New Orleans Mint increased its twenty dollar gold coin production from 3,250 pieces in 1854 to 8,000 in 1855. It would drop again substantially in 1856. Probably most 1855-O double eagles either entered into the channels of commerce or were shipped overseas, where they were subject to melting and recoining. Whatever the circumstances, only 80 to 90 pieces are believed to survive in all, according to Doug Winter, who pegs the About Uncirculated population at a paltry 17 or 18 coins. Only one or two 1855-O twenties are thought to exist in Mint State.

Eye appeal tends to be lacking among the 1855-O double eagles known. Many have been harshly dipped, strike definition tends to be soft, and surface abrasions are often an issue. This Choice About Uncirculated representative is mildly bright, but the greenish-gold surfaces exhibit original mint luster and rich orange-gold color around the raised devices, enhancing the appeal. The stars are well-detailed, with the exception of the first, and Liberty's curls about as strongly rendered as one could hope to see on a lightly circulated New Orleans No Motto double eagle. Scattered marks have minimal effect. Population: 5 in 55, 2 finer (3/21).
From The Cameron Collection. (Registry values: N4719)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 268W, PCGS# 8915, Greysheet# 9853)

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.

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