Uncirculated New Orleans Mint $20 Double Eagle gold coins from the Pre-Civil War era are exceedingly scarce. For all dates minted between 1850 and 1861 (when the Mint was closed by hostilities resulting from the Civil War), merely 49 coins have been certified in MS60 or higher by PCGS and NGC combined. A scant seven coins have been graded MS 62 (four by PCGS, three by NGC), with no coins grading higher.

Without doubt, this particular specimen is one of the finest of the seven extant MS 62 examples for this date, which means it is one of the very finest examples known. Exceptionally well-struck, its technical merit is outstanding. Slight bag marks are apparent on both the obverse and reverse. The only contact mark worth individual mention is on the reverse, running from above the Y in TWENTY horizontally through the field above the D for dollar, almost to the rim. Otherwise the coin is very clean with only minimal chatter. Its sharp detail and lovely yellow gold color, so typical of the New Orleans mint from this era, give this piece wonderful eye-appeal.

When you compare this coin to S.S. Central America gold coins in MS 64 and above, or Brother Jonathan coins of similar grade, which survive in numbers that are multiples of this coin's in-grade population, you begin to realize its exceptional rarity. Similarly, when you compare this coin's price to what the large retail companies are demanding for far more common shipwreck coins this year, you begin to understand what an extraordinary value this coin offers. As numismatists with 21 years experience in this market, we believe this coin is a far more intelligent choice for the serious investor or collector. There's really no comparison!