Lot 1142
ONE OF THE FINEST KNOWN 1854-O TWENTIES. PCGS graded AU-50. One of the key dates to the double eagle series, this year saw the mintage top out at only 3,250 pieces. Most of those were lost, spent and remelted into later date coinage. No single specimen exists in mint state, although a handful are close, including this coin. The surfaces show moderate handling marks, as expected for the grade. Boldly struck and full hair details are noted on Liberty's upper curls, while the lower ones near her neck are a bit flat. On the reverse, there is no sign of weakness. As so few are known in high grade, it wasn't difficult to track down this coin. It was last sold at auction by Heritage, March 1998, lot 6507, and just prior to that in the Heritage ANA Sale, August 1997, lot 7821, in both of those appearances the coin graded NGC XF-45.
There is a small planchet flaw extending up at a sharp angle from the center of Liberty's neck, and there is a small tick mark below the CA of AMERICA, which serve to hallmark this coin. Estimates range all over the map for the number known, but a guess would be 50. Of those, this is apparently in the top ten, and compares favorably with the recently offered Harry Bass coin, which was PCGS graded AU-55 and sold for $103,500 in May of 2000.
When reviewing recent auction appearances, we note that the coin offered in Heritage's August 1998 sale, although graded AU-50, had been wire brushed so badly, it wasn't even photographed in that sale. The other coins of comparable quality haven't sold recently enough to bother reporting prices.
If you are a date collector of these important gold coins, then waiting for a better example would likely be a fools game, at best, if you wait long enough, an equal coin may be located. History is against it though, and the astute numismatist knows that it is best to purchase the rare ones when they appear, for they may not be available when you really need one. Bid accordingly if you expect to win the exceptional prize. This one is currently in PCGS holder #5781533.
Estimated Value $75,000-UP.
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| Realized $81,650 |
