1866-S $20 Motto MS61 NGC....

Description

Elusive 1866-S Motto Twenty, MS61

1866-S $20 Motto MS61 NGC. The 1866-S No Motto double eagle is a major rarity, with a total of three Mint State pieces certified at NGC and PCGS combined. However, the 1866-S With Motto show nearly four dozen Uncirculated examples, all clustered in the lower Mint State range. Most specimens of both 1866-S varieties circulated extensively in the Old West, and today the average grade of certified 1866-S With Motto double eagles is only Choice XF or thereabouts. The issue was struck too late to be found on either the S.S. Republic (sunk 1857) or the S.S. Brother Jonathan (sunk 1865). Only once before, in our Signature Auction #388 (11/2005, lot 2462) have we offered a specimen finer, in MS62. In MS61, this coin is bested by only nine MS62 pieces at both services combined, and there are none graded finer than MS62 (5/08). Even orange-gold color is seen over each side of this piece that displays subdued, satinlike luster. The most notable marks are clustered on the point of Liberty's chin.(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 269Y, PCGS# 8950, Greysheet# 9907)

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