Heritage World Coin Auctions
FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
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Territorial Gold
1853 $20 Moffat & Co. Twenty Dollar -- Scratches -- NGC Details. Unc. K-19, High R.5. The Alta California newspaper published the following on July 26, 1853:
"Moffat & Co.'s Assay Office. The new double eagles lately issued by this firm are attracting much admiration for their beautiful workmanship. The coin is a facsimile of that struck by the United States Mint, with the head instead of bearing the motto Liberty has Moffat & Co. As regards design and finish, the piece is scarcely inferior to the issues of the Mint and reflects great credit upon Messrs. Moffat & Co.'s taste, enterprise, and artistical skill."
The 1853 Moffat & Co. twenty dollar gold coins are as prized and admired today as they were during the height of the California Gold Rush. There are only so many survivors available to present-day enthusiasts, probably fewer than 100 pieces across all grades. To be sure, Uncirculated examples with the sharpness that this lustrous, lemon-gold example displays are exceedingly rare. Scratches near stars 10 through 13 explain the Details assessment, but they do not overly detract from the appeal, and certainly the numismatic significance, of this attractive offering. Listed on page 395 of the 2017 Guide Book.
Selections From The Collection of Dr. Donald Knaack.
1853 $20 Moffat & Co. Twenty Dollar -- Scratches -- NGC Details. Unc. K-19, High R.5. The Alta California newspaper published the following on July 26, 1853:
"Moffat & Co.'s Assay Office. The new double eagles lately issued by this firm are attracting much admiration for their beautiful workmanship. The coin is a facsimile of that struck by the United States Mint, with the head instead of bearing the motto Liberty has Moffat & Co. As regards design and finish, the piece is scarcely inferior to the issues of the Mint and reflects great credit upon Messrs. Moffat & Co.'s taste, enterprise, and artistical skill."
The 1853 Moffat & Co. twenty dollar gold coins are as prized and admired today as they were during the height of the California Gold Rush. There are only so many survivors available to present-day enthusiasts, probably fewer than 100 pieces across all grades. To be sure, Uncirculated examples with the sharpness that this lustrous, lemon-gold example displays are exceedingly rare. Scratches near stars 10 through 13 explain the Details assessment, but they do not overly detract from the appeal, and certainly the numismatic significance, of this attractive offering. Listed on page 395 of the 2017 Guide Book.
Selections From The Collection of Dr. Donald Knaack.