1855-S $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle XF-45 NGC

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In 1855, the San Francisco Mint was in its infancy, having opened its doors just one year prior to process the massive influx of precious metal from the California Gold Rush. Among the most significant treasures produced during this energetic era was the twenty dollar gold piece, commonly known as the Double Eagle. This particular specimen represents a tangible connection to the early days of Western minting, bearing the distinctive 'S' mint mark that denotes its origin in the coastal California facility. Crafted from 0.900 fine gold, this Liberty Double Eagle contains 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold. The coin survived the decades in remarkable condition, earning a grade of Extremely Fine 45 (XF-45). Out of an original mintage of 879,675 pieces, only a fraction remain today, especially in such well-preserved circulated states where the finer details of the design are still clearly visible.