1854 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle, Large Date NGC AU55

Here is a rare variety to add to your collection of Liberty Head double eagles.

Doug Winter writes, “The 1854 Large Date double eagle employs the date logotype found on the silver dollars and certain New Orleans eagles of this year. It is not known how many were produced but given the relatively small number known today, it is likely that fewer than 10% of the original mintage used the Large Date punch.”

The Large Date variant is quite rare in comparison to its Small Date counterpart. Therefore, Large Date examples command a significant premium when offered. 

NGC has graded 50 of the Large Date variety as AU55 with 39 finer. Collectors Universe gives this variety a price of $17,500.00 in AU55.

The Second Philadelphia Mint, where this rare piece was struck in 1854. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

“This is generally a well-struck issue,” continues Winter. “The obverse shows strong detail with the exception of the curls around the ear which can be flat at times. The reverse is just a bit less well struck. Some examples show areas of metal flow on the reverse from 9:00 to 12:00 which can give the unfair impression of wear. The central reverse is generally well defined with strong lines in the shield and nearly full talons on the eagle.”