1856 (O) Liberty Head Double Eagle
Strike Type
Coin Details
Auction Record
$1,437,500 SP63 05-01-2009 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1856 (O) Liberty Head Double Eagle is a special strike Gold Double Eagle struck at the New Orleans Mint, part of the Liberty Head Double Eagles 1849-1907 series. With a mintage of only 2, this is an extremely rare issue. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, while 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. Designed by James Barton Longacre. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 33.4 grams, 34 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #409828. The Liberty Head Double Eagle ($20 gold) was the largest regular-issue gold denomination, introduced in 1849 following the California Gold Rush. Shipwreck recoveries (SS Central America, SS Republic) have introduced thousands of pristine examples to the market. The 1861 Paquet Reverse, Carson City issues, and the 1849 pattern (unique, at the Smithsonian) are highlights.
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