1849 DOUBLE EAGLE OR
$20 GOLD
PCGS No: None
Mintage:
Circulation strikes: 0
Proofs: 2 known
Designer: James
Barton Longacre
Diameter: ±34 millimeters
Metal content:
Gold - 90%
Other - 10%
Weight: ±516
grains (±33.4 grams)
Edge: Reeded
Mintmark: None
(for Philadelphia, Pa) below the eagle's tail on the reverse Notes:
The discovery of gold in
California in 1849 provided the impetus for two new denominations of
American gold coins - the Gold Dollar and the Double Eagle. Both were
engraved by James B. Longacre, who is perhaps best known today for his
Indian Head Cent design. No 1849 Double Eagles were struck for
circulation and only two Proofs are known. The coin illustrated above
is a part of the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian
Institution. A second Proof was presented to then Treasury Secretary
William M. Meredith and was later sold as part of his estate - the
present location of this coin remains unknown. Technically, the 1849
Double Eagle is considered a Pattern coin and is listed as Judd-117.
Varieties:
None |
