1855 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle NGC MS60

It is with pride that we present for consideration this rare example of the 1855 $20 Liberty Head double eagle. This would a great type coin in a set of rare uncirculated U.S. gold coinage. This specimen is from the original mintage that was saved by a numismatist--and is not a shipwreck coin. Such coins are hard to find. It was not sitting on the ocean's floor for 150 years and therefore did not undergo numismatic conservation, offering a more attractive look. It is original and pristine. Consequently a coin such as this could be considered a "sleeper," one with potentially greater future value than its current price.

The obverse of the $20 Double Eagle features a left-facing Liberty design influenced by Greco-Roman sculpture. A pearl-encrusted coronet inscribed with “Liberty” adorns her wavy hair, which flows down her neck. Thirteen stars that represent the original colonies/states surround her bust. The date is found below the image of Liberty. The reverse presents Longacre's exaggerated design, featuring a heraldic eagle, one that is quite different from eagles previously found upon our coinage. Dramatic rays emanate from the national bird, and a circle of 13 stars is found hovering over the eagle. Two contrived ribbons encircle the awkward creature, one of which the eagle holds firmly in its beak. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is split between the two ribbons. A federal shield is found on its breast and arrows and the ivy branch of peace are found, respectively, in its right and left talons. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and TWENTY D. surround the bird at the coin's rim.