LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 April Rosemont, IL (CSNS) US Coin #1104  / 

2538

1853 $20 Assay Office Twenty Dollar, 900 Thous.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:8,500.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1853 $20 Assay Office Twenty Dollar, 900 Thous.
<B>1853 $20 Assay Office Twenty Dollar, 900 Thous. MS61 NGC.</B></I> K-18, R.2. There were eight gold assay offices in California during 1853, but only one operational mint: the United States Assay Office of Gold, under the direction of Curtis, Perry, and Ward. The coining presses used by the Assay Office were purchased from the same suppliers used by the Philadelphia Mint, thus daily production capabilities were impressive. One account suggests that the office could produce $720,000 in $20 pieces per day. That number seems logical, considering Kagin's (1981) opinion that 2.5 million twenties of .900 fineness were struck between March and October 1853. Obviously most were melted over the years as less than 1000 are believed to exist. Fortunately, enough coins were saved that collectors today have a reasonable chance of owning one of these relics of the California Gold Rush. Most, however, do not have the opportunity to acquire an Uncirculated example such as this. The surfaces have even, although somewhat thin mint luster which has a light green-gold color. Remarkably well struck, the plumage in the center of the eagle's breast and fletchings on the arrows are sharply defined. A few tiny abrasions are seen on the machine-turned reverse but few are noted on the obverse.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coins & Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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