Legend Numismatics

HomeAuctionsStack's Bowers Nov. Showcase Auction Features Rare Mint State 1852-O Double Eagle

Stack’s Bowers Nov. Showcase Auction Features Rare Mint State 1852-O Double Eagle

Stack's Bowers Nov. Showcase Auction Features Rare Mint State 1852-O Double Eagle

By James McCartneySenior Numismatist, Stack’s Bowers ……
Even though the New Orleans Mint had produced double eagles in both 1850 and 1851, the coiners were still working out many of the difficulties in producing such a large gold piece. The emphasis seemed to have been placed on quantity over quality, leaving many examples with uneven or weak strikes.

In 1852, a total of 190,000 double eagles came off the New Orleans Mint’s presses, helping to make this one of the more readily available of all $20s from that southern mint.

However, as with most gold coins produced in the Antebellum South, the coins entered circulation and saw extensive use throughout the region. As a result, it is estimated that about 400 to 600 examples of the date can be accounted for today, most in the VF and EF range, with only a very small number of coins at the AU level or above. This situation is even more pronounced at the Mint State level, where at best only about a dozen Uncirculated examples may still be extant today.

We are thrilled to offer one of these elusive Mint State examples in our November 2020 Showcase Auction, presented as part of the Collection of Steve Studer. It is an outstanding example of an early New Orleans double eagle, and the fields offer intense satiny luster. The reverse is faintly prooflike. Pale sandy-gold shades are accented by hints of richer honey color across the high points and near the borders. Scattered hairlines are noted on the obverse but the eye appeal remains exceptional for this grade level. Just eight coins have been certified finer by PCGS.

This impressive 1852-O $20 will be presented the Stack’s Bowers November 2020 Showcase Auction, appearing alongside rarities from the Larry H. Miller Collection, the E. Pluribus Unum Collection, the Larry Ness Collection, the Monterrey Collection, the Abigail Collection, and many other significant cabinets. The sale will be available for viewing and bidding on our website StacksBowers.com or you can contact our offices to secure copies of the printed catalogs at [email protected] and 800-566-2580.

Stack's Bowers
Stack's Bowershttps://stacksbowers.com/
Stack's Bowers Galleries conducts live, internet, and specialized auctions of rare U.S. and world coins and currency and ancient coins, as well as direct sales through retail and wholesale channels. The company's 90-year legacy includes the cataloging and sale of many of the most valuable United States coin and currency collections to ever cross an auction block — The D. Brent Pogue Collection, The John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, The Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, The Joel R. Anderson Collection, The Norweb Collection, The Cardinal Collection, The Sydney F. Martin Collection, and The Battle Born Collection — to name just a few. World coin and currency collections include The Pinnacle Collection, The Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection of World Gold Coins, The Kroisos Collection, The Alicia and Sidney Belzberg Collection, The Salton Collection, The Wa She Wong Collection, and The Thos. H. Law Collection. The company is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California with galleries in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. Offices are also located in New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia, Hong Kong, Paris, and Vancouver.

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stacks Bowers Auction

AU Capital Management US gold Coins

Doug Winter Numismatics Branch Mint Gold