1853 United States Assay Office of Gold $20. K-18. Rarity-2. 900 THOUS. MS-63+ (PCGS). CAC. Gold Shi

1853 United States Assay Office of Gold $20. K-18. Rarity-2. 900 THOUS. MS-63+ (PCGS). CAC. Gold Shield Holder.，A beautiful, conditionally rare example of this popular type that is sure to appeal to high grade Territorial gold type collectors. Satiny in texture with handsome medium gold patina, both sides are fully defined with an exceptionally well executed strike. Predominantly smooth in appearance, fully Choice in quality, and destined for inclusion in an advanced gold cabinet.<p>This is one of the most frequently encountered types in the privately minted California Gold Rush coinage series of the late 1840s and 1850s. The United States Assay Office of Gold under Curtis, Perry and Ward struck 2.5 million 900 THOUS $20 gold pieces from the beginning of March to the end of October, 1853. The coins were widely distributed, with many finding their way into circulation on the West Coast and others being shipped back to the Eastern United States as gold bullion. Thirty different dies were used to produce this high mintage issue, and they survived until destroyed by fires caused by the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. One of the nicest examples for the grade that we have ever handled, this coin will undoubtedly sell for a strong premium.，，