1851 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle NGC MS61

The 1851 double eagle is curiously scarce and an issue that has received modest attention from numismatists. Over two million examples were produced, the highest mintage of any double eagle minted until 1861. It is usually thought to be a common date, however it is not quite as common as assumed. Most likely no more than 70-80 pieces are known in all Uncirculated grades, most of which fall in the MS60-62 grade range.

NGC has graded 40 as MS61 with 35 finer. Collectors Universe prices this issue at $9,000.00 in MS61.

Gold specialist Doug Winter writes, "More double eagles were struck in 1851 at the Philadelphia mint than in any year until 1861. Despite a mintage of slightly over 2 million coins, the 1851 is not as common as people might think."

The Second Philadelphia Mint, where this classic collectible was struck. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Winter continues: "The 1851 is an issue which comes well struck .... The central obverse is usually well defined with most of the individual hair strands showing separation. On some, the stars appear lightly impressed. This is due to lapping of the dies at the mint, which had the unintentional effect of removing detail. The center of the reverse is generally sharp, but some 1851 double eagles are weak on the denticles."