Photo Denom Date Grade TPG Variety GFRC Rating Price Description Buy
Gold G$20 1861O Gold G$20 1861-O
Liberty 		EF45 PCGS
37030147
Original SOLD
$38500 		New Orleans Double Eagle Rarity, Weak Date Dies, Residual Reflective Luster, Above Average Eye Appeal, Limited Abrasions, Fresh From Europe. The 1861-O double eagle is a historically significant issue with a limited mintage of 17,741 pieces. Q. David Bowers suggests that 1861-O double eagles were produced by three different governing entities; Union, State of Louisiana, and Confederate States of America . Bowers further suggests that 5,000 examples were coined in January under Union control, follow by another 9,750 examples under the administration of the State of Louisiana, and the final 2,991 struck after the New Orleans mint was annexed by the Confederacy. Noted United States gold expert, Doug Winter, explores the striking administration topic further and questions if a single die pair was used for all 1861-O strikes since three sets of dies were sent to the New Orleans mint during December 1860. This date will be found with weak and strong dates though the date positions are exactly the same. Further research with Joe Gaines brings the conclusion that survivors with strong date are most likely to have been struck by the Confederacy. This example was sourced from Europe during early 2019 in raw condition and freshly certified by PCGS. This date is reported to have extensive marks on obverse and reverse due to prolonged circulation and mishandling. Since originating from Europe, this Osprey Collection example was saved early on without opportunity for bruises or scratches. Field are mildly abraded but without any significant distractions. In particular, the cheek is smooth and leads to above average eye appeal. Under a light source, residual reflective luster is consistently active on both sides. Coloring is a medium greenish-gold. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 holder. December 1969