Liberty Head Double Eagle 1861 Type 1 Choice AU

1861 $20 AU55 ANACS. The base of the first 1 in the date is repunched south. This apricot-gold double eagle is nicely struck and has only a single mentionable mark, seen on Liberty's jaw. Careful rotation beneath a lens reveals wispy hairlines, but luster illuminates design elements. The 1861 double eagle was the initial Civil War issue and a workhorse date with 2.9 million business strikes minted. Most saw considerable circulation but some, such as this coin, show only light wear. High grade examples of any date are rarities. The great size and weight of these coins caused most pieces to suffer numerous contact marks and abrasions. Mint Philadelphia Mintage 2,976,453 Wt 33.436 gms Diameter 34mm AGW .9675 oz From the Collection of Donald E. Bently, sold for the benefit of the Bently Foundation.(Registry values: N991) (NGC ID# 269G, PCGS# 8932) Heritage Auctions Feb 2014 Longacre used a similar Liberty for both the dollar and $20, a handsome womans head displaying a meticulous nose and wearing a pearl-bordered diadem inscribed LIBERTY. It was modeled after an ancient Greco-Roman sculpture, the Crouching Venus