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Lot 1211

1855-S $20
From a comparatively large mintage of 879,675 coins, this issue was once considered extremely rare in Mint State grades as most known coins entered circulation on the West coast. In more recent years, that statistic has changed because this date is now well represented in shipwreck finds. More than 300 examples of the '55-S were recovered from the S.S. Central America, and 57 examples were found in the wreckage of the S.S. Republic. This is not the case with this example, as it has been impounded in a private collection since the 1950s, long before either of these shipwrecks was discovered. It is a true "above-ground" Mint State survivor, one of those previous "extremely rare" examples. This is definitely a high-end coin featuring a bold strike on all details, save for several strands of Liberty's hair which are always softly struck. Satiny mint luster over the virtually unmarked fields with attractive green-gold color that is enhanced with wisps of orange at certain light angles. Double eagle specialists will pay close attention as this lot crosses the block. (PCGS 8916)

17 December 2013, 13:00 EST
New York

Sold for US$12,870 inc. premium

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1855-S $20

From a comparatively large mintage of 879,675 coins, this issue was once considered extremely rare in Mint State grades as most known coins entered circulation on the West coast. In more recent years, that statistic has changed because this date is now well represented in shipwreck finds. More than 300 examples of the '55-S were recovered from the S.S. Central America, and 57 examples were found in the wreckage of the S.S. Republic. This is not the case with this example, as it has been impounded in a private collection since the 1950s, long before either of these shipwrecks was discovered. It is a true "above-ground" Mint State survivor, one of those previous "extremely rare" examples. This is definitely a high-end coin featuring a bold strike on all details, save for several strands of Liberty's hair which are always softly struck. Satiny mint luster over the virtually unmarked fields with attractive green-gold color that is enhanced with wisps of orange at certain light angles. Double eagle specialists will pay close attention as this lot crosses the block. (PCGS 8916) Choice Uncirculated

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TWO UNITED STATES 1881 LIBERTY HEAD $5 HALF EAGLE GOLD COINS.