1853-O $20 Double Eagle PCGS AU53. Overshadowed by the multiple famous rarities struck in the next couple of years, the 1853-O double eagle remains to be a very scarce co in the higher grades. Just 71,000 pieces were struck, and of this mintage no more than three or four uncirculated examples survive, with less than seventy examples in the About Uncirculated grades known to exist, as offered here. Most examples that are offered are Very Fine, or Extremely Fine at most. About Uncirculated examples are scarce, and usually, very softly impressed at the centers.

The present specimen is one of the sharpest coins we have ever encountered of this issue. Nearly all researchers have noticed the general weakness that comes with this issue, which also seems to have worsened from the previous issues of this denomination struck at the New Orleans Mint. Heavy, and often deep marks, are usually encountered on the surfaces of this issue, but this coin is relatively free of that. Some minor marks are noted from handling, but nearly all are minimal and not much noted except with strong magnification.

Abundant luster is still visible in the protected fields on this particular double eagle. A fair amount of reflectivity is still visible in these fields, which looks quite pleasing in hand. Overall the coin has a fresh look, and the wear impacts the eye-appeal only minimal. Collecting gold coins from the New Orleans Mint, in particular double eagles, can be a daunting challenge. This coin would fit perfectly in such a set, being a rarely offered grade of this semi-rare coin which starts a series of low mintage, very rare double eagle from this popular Mint.