1856-O $20 --Improperly Cleaned--NCS. XF Details. This is the classic key-date issue in the Liberty double eagle series, and...

Description

Celebrated 1856-O Double Eagle Rarity

1856-O $20 --Improperly Cleaned--NCS. XF Details. This is the classic key-date issue in the Liberty double eagle series, and this example with its light hairlines and minor abrasions may prove to be an affordable alternative to those coins that have been offered in the recent past. The original mintage of this coin was just 2,250 pieces, making it the rarest New Orleans Mint double eagle, with only the 1854-O issue being a close contender. Very few coins struck at this Southern branch mint have lower mintages or smaller surviving population. Estimates of the number of survivors range from a low of 10 coins (Breen) to a high of 20 coins (Winter). Most examples surviving today are similar quality to this coin, being in the Very Fine to Extremely Fine range. Perhaps just three or four finer examples exist, including a splendid Mint State specimen.
The surfaces are medium greenish-gold, with hints of pinkish color on the devices. Despite being cleaned, the fields retain reflectivity that is always seen on these coins. Traces of luster are still visible around the devices. The surfaces are lightly abraded as usual, with two or three specific marks for pedigree tracking. Hair details are a little softly defined, as are the eagle's wingtips; however, all other obverse and reverse design details are well defined. The obverse has a small rim bruise at 3 o'clock and a tiny abrasions close to the bust line above the right side of the digit 5. The reverse has a short horizontal mark above the right side of the eagle's head, but in a different location from the coin we sold in our 1997 ANA sale.(Registry values: N10218)

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

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 33.44 grams
AGW: 1.06oz
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.