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

3299

1855-O $20 AU55 NGC

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:42,500.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1855-O $20 AU55 NGC
<B>1855-O $20 AU55 NGC.</B></I> We are pleased to offer in this lot a Choice About Uncirculated 1855-O double eagle, the rarest collectible New Orleans twenty dollar. After the first four emissions of double eagles from the New Orleans Mint (in 1850, 1851, 1852, and 1853), there were considerably fewer coins made in 1854, producing a major rarity in the Liberty double eagle series. Then only 8,000 pieces were struck in 1855, and survivors are infrequently seen with only 70 to 80 pieces believed extant today in all grades, with most falling in the Very Fine to Extremely Fine level of preservation (Douglas Winter, <I>Gold Coins of the New Orleans Mint, 1839--1909</B></I>). Just a handful are known in Choice AU condition with only three Uncirculated coins certified.<BR> The surfaces of this lovely AU55 specimen are bright with a confirmed glimmer of semi-reflectivity in the fields. Except for light high point wear, the design elements are very well defined for a New Orleans issue, including most of Liberty's hair, the star centrils (except for star 1), and the eagle's plumage. The rich green-gold coloration has taken on a light accent of reddish patina. Minute contact marks are scattered over each side, the only one of note being a mark that covers the ER in AMERICA. This coin sports better overall eye appeal than typically seen for the issue, and should consequently elicit a strong bid. Census: 6 in 55, 5 finer (11/07).<BR><BR><B>Coin Engraver:</B> James B. Longacre<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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