5588

1854 $20 Small Date AU58 NGC. Two different date sizes

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1854 $20 Small Date AU58 NGC. Two different date sizes
<B>1854<$20> Small Date AU58 NGC.</B></I> Two different date sizes have been identified for the coinage of double eagles in 1854. The Small Date variety appears to be considerably more plentiful. Bowers suggested that this variety should be called a "Medium Date" variety; however, Small Date seems to be a more appropriate term, unless another variety is later discovered with an even smaller sized date logotype. Double eagle mintages in Philadelphia dropped considerably beginning in 1853, and especially in 1854, once the San Francisco Mint began operations. It was no longer necessary or cost effective to ship gold from California to Philadelphia for coinage. More about this will be discussed at length below, in the description of the 1854-O rarity.<BR> This is a lovely example with brilliant yellow-gold surfaces and frosty luster, highlighted by traces of pink color. Although some minor hairlines are visible on each side, the surfaces are relatively mark-free and the overall aesthetic appeal is excellent. Both sides are sharply struck as usual for this issue.<BR><I>From The Wyoming Collection.</B></I>