4869

1851-O $20 MS61 NGC. Like the 1850-O and 1852-O, the second-year 1851-O is a common date among New O

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:NA Estimated At:45.00 - 60.00 USD
1851-O $20 MS61 NGC. Like the 1850-O and 1852-O, the second-year 1851-O is a common date among New O
1851-O $20 MS61 NGC. Like the 1850-O and 1852-O, the second-year 1851-O is a common date among New Orleans Mint Double Eagles. In an absolute sense, however, the '51-O is a scarce coin with a not overly generous original mintage of 315,000 pieces. The vast majority of extant examples grade VF or XF, with just 200 survivors (per Winter, 2002) in AU, and a mere 23 pieces certified Mint State at NGC and PCGS combined (10/02). This is the first MS61 representative that we have offered in recent memory, but we did auction an MS60 NGC coin for $10,925 as lot 6950 in our February 2002 Long Beach Signature Sale. The dies were extensively polished prior to striking the present example--a fact that explains why the obverse stars near the upper border are noticeably attenuated. On the plus side, the lapping has resulted in a pleasing semi-prooflike finish that is most readily evident at direct light angles. The central devices are appreciably sharp, and both sides are awash in lovely yellow-gold color with a hint of olive tinting. The already impressive eye appeal benefits even further from a relative lack of abrasions for a Double Eagle at the MS61 grade level We do, however, note a shallow reverse scrape in the field below STATE in STATES that should help trace the pedigree of this Condition Census survivor. It is interesting to note that our January 2002 sale of the Eagle Collection included an 1851-O Twenty that graded "only" AU58.From the Ashland City Collection. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at the rate of 200-250 per hour. Sometimes eBay Premier live bid software cannot keep up with that pace, so we strongly recommend that you place a realistic proxy bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Also please note that all Heritage/CAA lots purchased through eBay Premier carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions.