Liberty Double Eagles
1855-O $20 MS61 NGC. Variety 1. A notable rarity within an interesting run of Type One New Orleans twenties, the 1855-O double eagle is positioned between its two super-rare counterparts, the 1854-O and the 1856-O. Those two key dates are the stoppers for anyone trying to put together the New Orleans set of double eagles, but the 1855-O is a challenge, too. PCGS CoinFacts estimates a surviving population of just 80 to 90 pieces in all grades for the 1855-O, compared to 30 to 40 examples for the 1856-O and probably fewer than 40 pieces remaining for the 1854-O.
It is hard to imagine a more daunting adventure than trying to put together a collection of "finest knowns" for the New Orleans twenties, but the journey could start here with this MS61 double eagle. No finer coin has been graded by either major service. PCGS has yet to certify an Uncirculated 1855-O double eagle; NGC shows two examples in MS60 and two in MS61, including the present coin (6/17).
Any discussion of finest knowns must be tempered with the understanding new rarities can appear, although the likelihood diminishes with each passing year. Experienced collectors are mindful of shipwreck gold and occasional small hoards, as well as unexpected single coins that come to light when least expected. In the case of the 1855-O twenty, three coins that ultimately graded AU58 by NGC surfaced from the wreck of the S.S. Republic.
None, however, have been able to supplant the amazing 1855-O offered here. The coin has excellent eye appeal -- a wonderful orange-gold with vibrant luster that radiates from surfaces less abraded than normally seen for this New Orleans issue. Some shallow planchet roughness (as made) exists under Liberty's chin. A strong strike is evident on both the obverse and reverse with especially bold definition on all the reverse elements. This impressive Mint State example is destined to take a leading role in an advanced collection of double eagles or New Orleans gold.
HID02901242017