LOT Heritage Rare Coin Galleries  /  2007 Jan (FUN) Heritage Signature Coin #422  / 

3698

1850 $20 MS65 NGC. A semi-reflective Gem and one of th

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:140,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 2.00 USD
1850 $20 MS65 NGC. A semi-reflective Gem and one of th
<B>1850 $20 MS65 NGC.</B></I> According to <I>The Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins, 1795-1933,</B></I> (2006): "In 1848 the discovery of gold in California turned the American economy on its ear. Suddenly, vast quantities of gold were available to be quickly converted into money. Although the $10 gold piece was perfectly suited for the job, the Treasury took the opportunity to create a new denomination called a double eagle, worth twice the face value of the $10 eagle." The design for the series was executed by James B. Longacre. Approximately 1.1 million pieces were produced bearing the 1850 date.<BR> A semi-reflective Gem and one of the two finest-known examples of this first-year regular issue double eagle. The devices of this extraordinary specimen are firmly struck on the peripheral areas and show nary a hint of softness in the centers. There is the possibility that this piece was saved for presentation to an important official or dignitary, as both sides are mildly prooflike in the fields, being struck from freshly polished and striated dies. Only minimal coin-to-coin contact is indicated on either side. The lovely lime-gold toning reveals hints of underlying pastel color, mainly near the obverse stars and the date. Any Mint State 1850 double eagle is an important offering, but here is an example that is certainly among the finest, if not <I>the</B></I> finest available to collectors. Census: 2 in 65, 0 finer (12/06).<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coin/Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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