1854-O $20 MS(PCGS#8912)

The August 2010 Boston Rarities Sale

拍卖行

Bowers & Merena

批号

1818

等级

AU55

价格

3,308,002

详细说明

1854-O Liberty Double Eagle. Winter Variety One, the only known dies. AU-55 (PCGS). A legendary rarity in the Type I Double Eagle series, the 1854-O trails only the 1856-O to rank second in rarity among the 13 New Orleans Mint issues of this denomination. It is much rarer than its closest rival for this ranking--the 1855-O--and has a surviving population of only 25-35 coins (this estimate per Doug Winter, <em>Gold Coins of the New Orleans Mint</em>, 2006 edition). Such a paucity of survivors is attributable to both a very limited mintage of 3,250 pieces and a poor rate of survival, most examples of this issue having been lost to circulation. The few coins in numismatic hands are largely concentrated at the VF and EF levels, with accurately graded AUs extremely rare and Mint State coins unknown.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the most important gold coin offerings in this sale--which is saying a lot given the breadth and depth of the Horseshoe Collection--this Choice AU is tied with one other AU-55 as the finest 1854-O Double Eagles listed on the <em>PCGS Population Report</em>. The eye appeal of this coin is certainly far superior to that typically seen for the issue, even among many other examples that have been certified as AU at the major grading services. Wispy hairlines are minimal in number and easily overlooked at most angles, and there is&nbsp;only a trace of glossiness to the surface texture. Both sides, in fact, present a partially lustrous, prooflike sheen with far more originality than seen in most other '54-O Twenties. Warm, even, olive-orange color is also a praiseworthy attribute, as is a lack of sizeable or otherwise individually distracting abrasions. A sharp strike rounds out a remarkable list of attributes for an example of this very rare and extremely challenging New Orleans Mint Double Eagle issue. Destined for inclusion in the finest cabinet, where it will&nbsp;surely stand out as a prized highlight.