1853 $20.00 NGC AU58

A very visually impressive example with lightly abraded, slightly Prooflike fields that are accentuated by rich yellow-gold color. The strike is really hammered for the date with many of the hair strands showing full, individual definition. It is likely that this coin never entered circulation and it is terrific eye appeal. The next jump up in quality for the 1853 double eagle will result in at least double the price and it is doubtful that many of the slabbed MS61 examples will have the appearance that this gem slider does.

1853 $20.00 PCGS AU55 CAC

If you like crusty Type One double eagles, you'll really like this coin. It has deep green-gold color with underlying flashes of rose and orange-gold. The detail is excellent and there is quite a bit of luster in the protected areas. At less than $3,000 you really can't go wrong with coins such as this.

1853 $20.00 PCGS EF45 CAC

This very attractive Type One double eagle shows deep green-gold color with nicely contrasting darker hues on the relief details. It is evenly worn and problem-free with far more eye appeal than usual for the date and grade. An affordable and excellent introduction to the antebellum double eagles from this mint.

1853 $20.00 PCGS MS61 CAC

Normal Date variety. The 1853 is a much scarcer date than the 1851 and 1852. But it remains reasonably affordable in the lower Uncirculated grades and this makes it a sensible issue for the collector who is searching for a nice non-shipwreck Type One double eagle as a type coin. This is a fresh and extremely high end piece with strong claims to an MS62 grade. It is undipped and never-messed-with and, most importantly, it is totally "new" with no hint of friction on the high spots or luster breaks in the fields. The surfaces are slightly ticky in the open areas but this is compensated for by the attractive soft golden color and swirling frosty luster. MS61 is a good value grade for this date as an MS62, if available, is likely to cost in excess of $13,000-15,000. Only three examples in MS61 have been given CAC approval with two higher.

Ex New England Rare Coin Auctions 3/1982: 2291

1853 $20.00 PCGS AU55 CAC

Repunched Date. Designated on the inert by PCGS as being a "minor vaiety," this examples shows light repunching on the 3 in the date. This is a choice, lovely example with pleasing luster and medium rose hues atop a base of orange-gold. There is a small grease stain through the 853 in the date and up to the throat that is as struck. A really pleasing and affordable Type One with the added appeal of being designated as a collectible variety.

1853 $20.00 NGC AU58

Type One Liberty Head double eagles, regardless of date, are very hard to find in "Gem Slider." These coins saw considerable circulation and were transported loose from bank to bank for many years. As a result of their size and the softness of gold as a coinage metal, many lightly circulated examples show a plethora of detracting abrasions. But not this piece. I doubt if this 1853 saw any actual circulation and it is fully original with rich rose and orange-gold hues atop choice, lustrous surfaces. As a date, the 1853 is harder to find in this grade than the comparatively priced 1851 and 1852. A great looking example and an affordable alternative to a high four figure MS61 example.