1861-O $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle NGC AU-58 Ex.SS Republic

This exceptional 1861-O $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle stands as a numismatic treasure of unparalleled historical and aesthetic significance. In an article written over ten years ago by numismatic gold expert Doug Winter, he highlighted the 1861-O as the New Orleans double eagle with the most significant value appreciation over the past decade, cementing its status as a coveted prize in the realm of rare coins. And it keeps going strong...

Not only is the ONLY 1861 New Orleans mint $20 gold piece to be recovered in ANY shipwreck thatw e know of, this coin's allure is amplified by its deep ties to the Civil War era and its extraordinary scarcity in Uncirculated condition, making this coin a crown jewel for collectors.

With an estimated surviving population of just 200 examples across all grades, the 1861-O is rare in an absolute sense. This AU58 example ranks obvioulsy ranks among the finest known, especially as it only saw four (4) years on "dry land" before being entoumbed in wreckage at the bottom the deep sea off the coast of Savannagh, Georgia. It combes superior condition with captivating eye appeal and its surfaces glow with vibrant apricot-gold coloration, enriched by abundant mint luster. Minor abrasions are present but are few and unobtrusive, doing little to detract from the coin’s overall beauty. The strike is impressively sharp for a New Orleans Mint product, with only minor softness on the highest points of Liberty’s curls and the intricate scrollwork surrounding the eagle. A characteristic weakness at the bottom of the date, typical of most 1861-O double eagles, adds intrigue to its story. This diagnostic feature has fueled speculation among numismatists, with some theorizing that it reflects a distinction between Union-struck coins and those produced under the State of Louisiana or Confederate control.

For collectors pursuing the pinnacle of New Orleans double eagles, this 1861-O is an extraordinary candidate. Its rarity as a Type One double eagle in About Uncirculated condition, combined with its striking aesthetic appeal and its unique status as the only New Orleans double eagle minted during a Civil War year, makes it a standout. Double eagle specialists and numismatic historians alike will cherish this coin for its historical provenance, beauty, scarcity, and its evocative connection to a pivotal moment in American history.

Provenance: S.S. Republic