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 |
