Heritage World Coin Auctions
FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
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Territorial Gold
1853 $20 Assay Office Twenty Dollar, 900 Thous. MS61 NGC. K-18, R.2. A's in AMERICA without crossbars. Although the estimated mintage of 2.5 million pieces sounds impressive, many pieces were melted while others were lost to trade and attrition. The Assay Office twenties were hard-used throughout the West Coast economy. They were readily accepted as currency and for Customs payments because the Assay Office could refine gold to the prescribed 900 fineness -- and they were issued under the authority of THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. This is an attractive orange-gold example with natural patina. A few small abrasions do not detract from the lustrous eye appeal. We note two minor rim dings at 10 and 1 o'clock on the obverse, with another at 1 o'clock on the engine-turned reverse. Listed on page 395 of the 2017 Guide Book.
1853 $20 Assay Office Twenty Dollar, 900 Thous. MS61 NGC. K-18, R.2. A's in AMERICA without crossbars. Although the estimated mintage of 2.5 million pieces sounds impressive, many pieces were melted while others were lost to trade and attrition. The Assay Office twenties were hard-used throughout the West Coast economy. They were readily accepted as currency and for Customs payments because the Assay Office could refine gold to the prescribed 900 fineness -- and they were issued under the authority of THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. This is an attractive orange-gold example with natural patina. A few small abrasions do not detract from the lustrous eye appeal. We note two minor rim dings at 10 and 1 o'clock on the obverse, with another at 1 o'clock on the engine-turned reverse. Listed on page 395 of the 2017 Guide Book.