1854 Proof Liberty Head Double Eagle

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1854

Denomination

Gold Double Eagle

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Proof

Series

Liberty Head Double Eagles 1849-1907

Designer

James Barton Longacre

Mintage

Composition

90% Gold, 10% Copper

Weight

33.4g

Diameter

34mm

Edge

Reeded

Auction Record

$10,000 UNC Details 02-26-2021 eBay

Description

The 1854 Proof Liberty Head Double Eagle is a proof Gold Double Eagle struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Liberty Head Double Eagles 1849-1907 series. With a mintage of 2, this is an extremely rare issue — ranked 0th of 4 mint variants by mintage, with 0% of production. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY and the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM surrounded by a glory of rays. Struck during the California Gold Rush era, when vast quantities of western gold transformed the American economy and led to new denominations. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Auction record: $10,000 UNC Details 02-26-2021 eBay. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 33.4 grams, 34 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #9066.