LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 Jan. FUN Signature Coin Auction #454  / 

3446

1854 $20 Kellogg & Co. Twenty Dollar MS61 PCGS

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:24,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1854 $20 Kellogg & Co. Twenty Dollar MS61 PCGS
<B>1854 $20 Kellogg & Co. Twenty Dollar MS61 PCGS.</B></I> K-1b, R.5. Of the four known varieties of 1854 Kellogg & Co. double eagles, K-1b stands out in terms of rarity, stylization and overall beauty. This variety is quickly identified by the slightly more fanciful hair detail than found on the other three varieties. Additional aids to attribution include the shape of the 8 in the date, positional relationships between KELLOGG & CO and the coronet details, and repunching on the stars. As Don Kagin noted in his ground-breaking treatise <I>Private Gold Coins and Patterns of the United States </B></I>(1981), the date on K-1b is "very thin." That method of identification can be useful if comparing the different varieties, but less so if one is trying to attribute one coin. A more accurate method of identification is to visually measure the inside loops of the 8, which are nearly round on K-1b, but oval on the other varieties. Unfortunately, the lack of detailed information in Kagin's reference, as well as a few pictorial and written errors, has propagated many incorrect attributions over the years. What is clear, however, is that this variety appears less frequently at auction than the other varieties of this issue.<BR> In terms of the execution of the dies and the wonderful state of preservation, the current coin is superior to most examples of this type. Rich apricot-gold coloration throughout is lightly framed by a touch of copper toning at the peripheries. The clean fields, luster and overall eye appeal is what one would expect to find on a coin grading a few points higher. Perhaps a small patch of abrasions on Liberty's cheek and a couple of reverse rim ticks influenced PCGS's conservative opinion. Regardless of technical grade, the aesthetic quality of this piece is rarely encountered on Kellogg & Co. double eagles and, as such, brisk bidding is expected. Population: 4 in 61, 3 finer (12/07).<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coins & Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
Sign In to Bookmark Lot