1851 $20.00 PCGS MS61

The 1851 is the second year of issue for the Type One design (not including, of course, the 1849) and while common in all circulated grades it is rare in Uncirculated, especially in MS62 or above. When this date comes nice it tends to have much better eye appeal than the 1852-1854 dates and this example clearly shows wonderful overall eye appeal. The naked-eye appearance of this coin resembles an MS63 with superb natural green-gold color and a razor-sharp strike. There are a few very fine lines in the fields that limit the grade but these are hard to see unless the coin is tilted towards a light source. I personally like this coin more than the small handful of MS62's that I've seen sell at auction in the last few years (generally in the $13,000-16,000 range) and it would fit well into even the finest set of Liberty Head double eagles.