1852-O $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle PCGS AU53

1852-O $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle PCGS AU53

PCGS AU53 | Early Southern-minted Double Eagle | PCGS Population: 119 | Population at AU53: 80 | Population higher: 132

• Year: 1852
• Weight: 33.44 grams (1.075 oz gold content)
• Purity: .900 Fine Gold
• Type: Pre-33 U.S. Gold
• Mint: New Orleans (O Mintmark)
• Face Value: $20
• Mintage: 190,000
• Grade: PCGS AU53
• Population at AU53: 80
• Population Higher: 132
• Design: Liberty Head by James B. Longacre
• Strike Type: Business Strike
• Special Notes: Early Double Eagle issue from New Orleans with historically low survival rate

We are proud to present the 1852-O $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle, graded AU53 by PCGS —a rare and early issue from the famed New Orleans Mint and a standout in any Pre-33 U.S. gold collection.

Struck just two years after the denomination's debut, this coin represents the first wave of Double Eagle production, a response to the massive gold influx from the California Gold Rush. While many later Double Eagles were minted in the millions, this 1852-O issue saw a limited mintage of only 190,000 coins, and far fewer have survived in collectible condition today.

With an PCGS population of just 80 in AU53 and only 132 coins graded higher, this example is particularly desirable for its balance of grade, rarity, and historical significance. The coin’s surfaces exhibit strong eye appeal with light circulation, while retaining original detail and character.

The "O" mintmark beneath the eagle on the reverse marks its Southern origin—an important distinction for collectors of branch-mint gold. Coins from the New Orleans Mint, especially early Double Eagles, are widely respected for their scarcity and charm.

Designed by James B. Longacre, the obverse features Liberty in a coronet, while the reverse depicts a bold heraldic eagle holding both olive branch and arrows—a symbol of peace through strength. Together, the design and its historical mint context make this coin a quintessential example of American gold coinage in the mid-19th century.

Whether you're building a type set, focusing on Southern mint issues, or seeking tangible gold history, the 1852-O $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle PCGS AU53 is a superb acquisition.