1861-O $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS XF40

Here is an opportunity to acquire a great rarity in the Liberty Head double eagle series, one with great historic significance. Out of its mintage of only 17,741 PCGS has graded 17 as XF40 with 99 finer. Take a look at the photos of this classic piece. The sophisticated numismatist should carefully consider this offering. Such pieces are rarely presented for sale or auction.

A scale used for weighing coins at the New Orleans Mint during the 19th century. Perhaps this 1861-O specimen was weighed upon it.

This issue, the 1861-O, was the last double eagle struck in New Orleans until the denomination was minted there again starting in 1879. It is significant to numismatists due to its being the final Type One issue from this mint. What makes this issue even more historically important is that it was struck under the auspices of three different authorities: the Union, the State of Louisiana, and the Confederacy. Doug Winter has determined the mintage breakdown to be:

The Union: 5,000 minted from January 1 to January 26, 1861

State of Louisiana: 9,750 minted from January 26 to May 31, 1861

The Confederacy: 2,991 minted after June 1, 1861

The example being offered by AUCM was struck either under the auspices of the Union or the State of Louisiana.