1859-O $20 AU58 NGC. Variety 3....

Description

1859-O Double Eagle, AU58
Fourth-Rarest New Orleans Twenty

1859-O $20 AU58 NGC. Variety 3. In the context of Type One double eagles issued by the U.S. Mint facility in New Orleans, the 1859-O is rated by Doug Winter as the fourth-rarest behind the 1856-O, the 1854-O, and the 1855-O. The tiny mintage of 9,100 coins has a low percentage of survivors: PCGS estimates that 75 to 100 pieces still exist, while Winter, writing in the Second Edition of Gold Coins of the New Orleans Mint (2006), states that the "Total Known" is 75-85 coins. NGC has graded 58 examples, while PCGS has seen a total of just 38 coins (including possible resubmissions.)

Three die varieties are known for this important, rare issue, two of which are recent discoveries. The most noticeable distinction between the two known obverse dies is a difference in the date positions: one being higher than the other; with numeral 1s that vary slightly in shape and orientation to the dentils below. The two known reverse dies show relatively High and Low mintmarks. This example displays the lower-date obverse die, with the 1 centered over a dentil; and the reverse shows a High mintmark, located close to the eagle's tailfeathers.

This is a bright, semireflective example that has deep yellow-gold toning. The strike definition seems to be bolder-than-usual, with softness noted only on Liberty's hair curls, especially on the top of her head, and on the eagle's tailfeathers on the reverse. Clash marks are noted as usual on the obverse, including a star on Liberty's neck. Most of the surface marks are superficial, but a single moderate mark is noted in the obverse field just to the left of Liberty's chin. Census: 9 in 58, 5 finer (6/14).
From The Charles G. Wright Family Collection.(Registry values: N4719)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 269B, PCGS# 8927, Greysheet# 9895)

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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