RARE AND DESIRABLE 1855-O $20, PCGS EF45 WITH CAC APPROVAL

I regard the 1855-O as the third rarest double eagle from New Orleans after the 1854-O and the 1856-O, both of which are mid-six figure coins when available. Only 8,000 were made and there are likely fewer than 100 known today, mostly in the EF45 to AU53 range. Of the coins which exist, close to 90% (perhaps even more) have been stripped and have decidedly negative eye appeal. I am aware of four or five nice EF coins and a small number of reasonably attractive AUs. This date is unknown in Uncirculated, and the small number of properly graded AU55 to AU58s which exist are all off the market in tightly-held collections.

This is an outstanding example for the grade with even wear and appealing surfaces which show just a few minor circulation marks, most of which are seen on the lower obverse. The best feature of this coin, though, is its rich golden-orange color. This color is slightly deeper on the high spots than on the fields which is indicative of long-term storage in either an old envelope or in a coin cabinet. The 1855-O is extremely challenging to locate with good eye appeal and this is among the most attractive examples I can recall seeing.

I am aware of four other PCGS/CAC EF45 1855-O $20s and these are as follows:

• Stack’s Bowers 2022 ANA: 3407 (sold for $40,800).

• Legend 5/2020: 40 (sold for $42,300). This coin was nice but it lacked the color which the Lost Hills coin has.

• Heritage 4/2017: 4314 (sold for $43,475). Nice color but only an EF40 in my opinion.

• Palos Verdes I: Private treaty sale by DWN in 2016.

The two most recent sales of this date are $66,000 in May 2022 for a non-CAC PCGS AU55 which was dipped, and $51,600 in April 2022 for a non-CAC PCGS AU53 which was decent but which had a number of detracting marks on the obverse.

The sophisticated collector of New Orleans double eagles will certainly appreciate the significance of this lovely 1855-O.

CAC has approved just 6 in this grade with 1 finer (55).

DWN collects sales tax when appropriate.