1851-O $20 MS(PCGS#8905)

October 2018 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

2156

等级

MS61

价格

234,015

详细说明

Condition Rarity 1851-O Double Eagle 1851-O Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-61 (NGC). This is an en exceptionally well preserved example of the otherwise relatively obtainable 1851-O double eagle. Vivid medium gold surfaces exhibit full mint luster in a predominantly satin texture. Semi-prooflike qualities are also evident, especially in the protected areas around the peripheral devices where one can see appreciable reflectivity as the coin rotates under a light. The central design elements are suitably bold, and those at the borders are at least partially discernible. Uncommonly smooth in hand for the assigned grade, and possessed of outstanding eye appeal, this impressive coin would serve as a highlight in an advanced double eagle set or Southern gold collection. After a modest mintage of 141,000 pieces in 1850, the New Orleans Mint increased double eagle output to 315,000 coins in 1851. Clearly more gold from California reached the Crescent City in the latter year, the 1851-O actually boasting the highest mintage among New Orleans Mint double eagles. Perhaps not surprisingly, this is the most frequently encountered double eagle in numismatic circles. Survivors are scarce in an absolute sense, however, and particularly relative to those of many Philadelphia Mint issues of the era such as the 1851, 1852 and 1853. As with all early Liberty Head double eagle issues, the 1851-O is typically offered in circulated grades, most examples grading EF-40 through low end AU. Mint State survivors are exceedingly rare, most of which have survived purely as a matter of chance. There was no contemporary numismatic interest in these early double eagles, especially those from the New Orleans Mint. Writing in the 2004 reference A Guide Book of Double Eagle Gold Coins, Q. David Bowers asserts that only six to 10 Uncirculated 1851-O double eagles are extant. Recent finds in Europe and elsewhere have increased the total, but to a very limited extent. We believe that the current Mint State population of this issue is on the order of 20 to 25 coins, a paltry total that highlights the significance of this offering for the advanced gold enthusiast. NGC Census: 5; 8 finer (MS-63 finest). PCGS# 8905. NGC ID: 268J. Click here for certification details from NGC.