Lot 2061
1853 U.S. Assay Office $20 Gold, 900 THOUS. PCGS graded AU-58 PQ. A nice frosty example. During the California Gold Rush years, U.S. Assay $20 gold pieces became the most important gold coins in commerce before the San Francisco Mint opened in 1854. As such, they are often unavailable in high grades, let alone a lustrous AU58 like this specimen, even though quite a few were made. Assay Twenties are the most attractively priced big denomination territorial gold coins for those who like to hold a hefty gold coin in their hands. The issue of these predates the opening of the San Francisco Mint by one year. Most consider them semi-official issues of the United States Government. States on the obverse as "900 THOUS", it has 90% gold content, the same as Federal double eagles and weighs the same as a Federal twenty dollar piece. This coin is sharply defined with strong detail on the eagle's claws, arrows and shield. The pale green-gold surfaces show very few marks or other abrasions and have just extensive luster glistening within the patina. Pop 22 (PCGS # 10013) .
Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000.
The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection.
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| Realized $13,225 |
