1850 Double Eagle (1850 $20) NGC XF45 CAC. First year of issue for the important double eagle denomination and a very popular coin as such. Offered here with excellent eye-appeal at an ideal collector’s grade, it has also been stickered by CAC to attest its grade. This denomination was a direct result of the California gold rush, which had commenced in 1848 but did not become huge until 1849.

The next year, huge amounts of gold was shipped to the Philadelphia Mint and converted into freshly minted double eagles. When they left the Mint these large and heavy gold pieces circulated extensively and would become the nation’s coin of choice in large and overseas transactions. The twenty dollar denomination was last minted in 1933, but has now grown to be a favorite of anyone, but especially of gold coin collectors.

The present piece clearly has circulated, but still comes with excellent eye-appeal. Plenty of detail is still visible on both sides, which have lightly toned to a pleasing green-gold patina. Some remains of the original luster is still visible in the protected areas, most notably on the obverse.

Sharply impressed with virtually all the radial lines of the stars still visible. Some scattered marks are seen on both sides, but none of these are major or overly distracting. With its detail and excellent eye-appeal this would make a perfect type coin for the discriminating collector.

Only 29 examples of this iconic year that double eagle gold coins were first struck to circulate in the United States. Only 6 coins including this one have attained the status of the green CAC sticker.