1854 Liberty Head Double Eagle. Small Date. MS-61 (PCGS).

1854 Liberty Head Double Eagle. Small Date. MS-61 (PCGS).，Lovely honey-rose patina blends with billowy satin luster on both sides of this boldly to sharply defined example. The year 1854 saw a significant downturn in the number of double eagles struck at Philadelphia over previous years with only 757,899 pieces. Instead of shipping gold to the East, now the newly inaugurated San Francisco Mint would require bullion for its own use. Two distinct date logotypes were used with small and large numerals. The majority of the coins struck used the smaller style logotype, making it the most frequently seen of the two varieties. Relatively available in VF and EF, the issue becomes increasingly challenging at the AU level and above. It is estimated that at most there are only 25 to 50 Mint State specimens extant, mostly at the very lowest levels, making up barely 1 to 2% of the total surviving population. Resubmission to the certification services has likely inflated the overall figures and with recent shipwreck finds not making a significant impact, this is an issue that is likely to remain a notable condition rarity for quite some time. Often overlooked in favor of the first double eagle issue from San Francisco, this 1854 $20 has much to offer the discerning collector.，，