1852-O $20 Liberty NGC AU58 CAC

The 1852-O $20 Liberty Double Eagle is a historic coin that captures the early years of American gold coinage and the unique role of the New Orleans Mint. Certified AU58 by NGC and approved by CAC, this example offers near-Mint State quality combined with the rarity and allure that define the earliest Double Eagles struck outside Philadelphia.

The Liberty Double Eagle series, designed by James B. Longacre, was introduced in 1850 following the California Gold Rush. The sudden influx of gold from the West made it practical for the U.S. Mint to create a denomination larger than the $10 Eagle. The $20 coin, known as the Double Eagle, quickly became the workhorse of large-value transactions. Its obverse features the crowned Liberty head facing left, surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies and the date of issue below. The reverse presents a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, grasping arrows and an olive branch, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the denomination encircling the design.

The New Orleans Mint struck its first Double Eagles in 1850, making the 1852-O just the third year of production for this southern branch mint. That year, a total of 190,000 pieces were produced, a relatively modest mintage when compared to the millions struck at the Philadelphia Mint in the same era. Survival rates are low due to heavy circulation in the Gulf Coast and international trade, as many coins were later melted. Today, the 1852-O remains scarce in higher grades, and truly choice examples are especially elusive.

This coin has been graded AU58 by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), placing it at the very top of the About Uncirculated category. AU58 coins often appear Mint State to the naked eye, showing only the faintest traces of wear on the highest points of the design. The surfaces of this example display excellent detail retention, strong luster, and natural eye appeal. The Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC) has endorsed the coin, confirming that it represents quality for the grade and meets the high standards that seasoned collectors seek. CAC approval is particularly valuable for branch mint Double Eagles, where originality and surface quality are critical factors in determining desirability.

The significance of an 1852-O Double Eagle lies not only in its scarcity but also in its historical context. New Orleans was the only southern mint to strike Double Eagles, and its coins were central to trade in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Many were shipped overseas as payment in large transactions, making high-grade survivors a rarity today. Collectors who focus on New Orleans gold or on pre-Civil War issues understand the special place this coin holds in the broader story of U.S. coinage.

AU58 examples bridge an important gap for collectors. While true Mint State examples of the 1852-O are exceedingly rare and command significant premiums, AU58 coins offer nearly the same appearance at a more attainable price point. For many collectors, AU58 CAC-certified examples represent the ideal balance of quality, scarcity, and value.

The 1852-O $20 Liberty Double Eagle is also a compelling acquisition for investors in rare gold. With limited supply, increasing demand for branch mint gold, and strong recognition among numismatists, coins like this have proven enduring in the marketplace. Its combination of historical importance, limited mintage, and near-Mint preservation makes it a prize for any advanced collection.

This NGC AU58 CAC example is an exceptional representation of one of the most important early issues in the Double Eagle series. It delivers superior eye appeal, outstanding surface preservation, and the added assurance of CAC approval. Whether added to a specialized set of New Orleans coinage, an advanced Double Eagle collection, or a portfolio of classic U.S. gold, it will stand as a highlight for years to come.

The 1852-O $20 Liberty Double Eagle is more than just gold. It is a tangible link to America’s Gold Rush era, the expansion of U.S. commerce, and the artistry of Longacre’s enduring design. This coin, sitting on the cusp of Mint State with CAC verification, represents a rare opportunity to own a significant and beautiful piece of numismatic history.