5630

1861-S $20 Paquet AU55 NGC. This one-year type is a pe

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1,300.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1861-S $20 Paquet AU55 NGC. This one-year type is a pe
<B>1861-S<$20> Paquet AU55 NGC.</B></I> This one-year type is a perennial favorite among advanced collectors. David Akers calls the 1861-S Paquet: "The rarest Liberty Head Double Eagle from the San Francisco Mint," and he adds that: "Its only really close competitor for that distinction is the 1866-S No Motto but, in my opinion, there are more of the latter in existence than there are 1861-S Paquets."<BR> The Paquet Reverse received very little in the way of publicity until the 1930s, and it was still unknown to many collectors as recently as the late 1940s/early 1950s. A number of San Francisco examples were eventually located in Europe and, as more surfaced, the fame of the Paquet Reverse grew.<BR> This is one of the finest Paquets that we have ever handled. Much of the original mint luster still remains. Each side shows a few moderate marks. (The rim normally offers some measure of protection to the interior devices from abrasions and circulation. The Paquet reverse has a greatly reduced rim and it was quickly discovered that this design flaw increased abrasions and friction from handling.) What is particularly noteworthy about this piece (in addition to its high grade), is how clean and problem-free the reverse is. Well struck also, with the only notable softness seen on the first three obverse stars. Light khaki-gold patina covers the softly frosted surfaces. A simply outstanding Paquet double eagle.<BR><I>From The Groth Family Collection.</B></I>