This largest denomination of all regular
United States issues was authorized to be coined by the
Act of March 3, 1849. Its weight was 516 grains, .900 fine.
The 1849 double eagle gold coin is a unique pattern and
reposes in the Smithsonian. The 1861 reverse
design by Anthony C. Paquet was withdrawn soon after being
struck. Very few pieces are known. Designer James B. Longacre; weight 33.436 grams: composition
.900 gold, .100 copper (net weight: .96750 02. pure gold):
diameter 34 mm; reeded edge: mints: Philadelphia, Carson
City, Denver, New Orleans, San Francisco.
