1850 Double Eagle $20 NGC AU53. First year of regular
production for the double eagle denomination. The
1849 is a pattern and unique, the 1850 is the first
collectable issue with a considerable mintage of 1,170,261
pieces. Their status as the first collectable $20
gold coin produced by the US government has drastically
raised the demand for these pieces, especially in
AU and mint-state.
The first $20 gold piece produced in the United States
was a piece privately made by the Mormons in Salt
Lake City, Utah territory. As the large amount of
gold that was coming out of California, a result of
the gold rush started in 1848, had to be minted in
federal gold coins the $20 denomination was created.
This was the largest monetary value of coin minted
in the United States.
This piece, certified AU-53 by NGC is a lightly circulated
example of this popular issue. Toned to a light-yellow
color, some wear is seen but at first glance this
looks to be a higher grade piece. No distracting marks,
except a few common at this grade, are seen on either
side. This is a great coin for either the investor
or the collector of 19th century gold.
