1851-O $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle NGC AU53

Double eagles struck at New Orleans are among the rarest issues in the Liberty head double eagle series, with the exception of just a few early dates that were produced in quantity with California gold.

The 1851-O, with a mintage of 315,000 examples, is perhaps the most available issue, one that is ideal for collectors seeking a single coin from this historic mint. It is a popular choice among branch mint type collectors. NGC has graded 161 as AU53 with 296 finer. Collectors Universe prices this issue at $8,000.00 in AU53.

A postcard of the New Orleans Mint from 1907, where this great collectible was struck in 1851. Image: Wikimedia Commons.

Gold specialist Doug Winter writes, "The strike seen on this issue is much sharper than on the 1850-O and it is among the best found on any double eagle from this mint. The obverse is usually well detailed with some of the hair strands showing individual definition. The stars are likely to show weakness on the radial lines, although a few are found with full or nearly full stars on the obverse. The reverse is generally well struck ...."

Of the luster Winter tells us, "on the 1851-O [it] tends to be among the best seen on any Type One double eagle from New Orleans." Plus it gets high grades on eye appeal from Winter: "It is easier to find a nice 1851-O than any other double eagle from New Orleans. Many are well struck and have good luster."