1850 Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-61 (PCGS).

1850 Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-61 (PCGS).，This is an appealing Uncirculated survivor of the historic and ever popular 1850 double eagle. Warm medium gold patina blankets both sides and mingles nicely with satin luster. The strike is virtually full with razor sharp definition to nearly all design elements. With a very nice appearance for the assigned grade, this handsome piece is sure to sell for a premium bid.<p>Upon its debut in 1850 the $20 gold double eagle supplanted the $10 gold eagle as the largest regular issue denomination produced by the United States Mint. The double eagle came about as a result of the California Gold Rush, that had been touched off by James Wilson Marshalls discovery of gold in the American River on January 24, 1848. The federal government soon realized that a large denomination coin would serve as a convenient storehouse for the vast quantities of precious metal that were soon flowing east. Authorized by the Act of March 3, 1849, the double eagle fulfilled this role. In American history up to and including 1933, over 75% of the gold used for coinage was made into double eagles.<p>The Philadelphia Mint produced 1,170,261 double eagles in 1850, a generous mintage that was soon overshadowed by those of 1851, 1852 and 1853. Survivors are readily obtainable in circulated grades through AU-53. Choice About Uncirculated coins in AU-55 and AU-58 are scarce, however, while Mint State examples are very scarce in an absolute sense and rare relative to the strong demand that they enjoy. This lovely piece offers stronger eye appeal than some of the MS-62s and MS-63s that we have handled over the years and should be a highlight in an advanced gold type or date set.<p>，From the A.J. Vanderbilt Collection. Earlier ex Superiors session of Auction 85, July 1985, lot 972; via Stacks. Lot tag included.，