With gold sitting near all-time record-highs, we are seeing some very strange events occurring in the numismatic marketplace. One of the more subtle, but numismatically significant occurrences that make $4,000 gold a net positive is the near total obliteration of the Market Premium Factor (MPF) for coins that are scarce but not truly rare.
Let’s look at an example. Three years ago, when gold was priced at around 50% of its current level, coins like the 1850 $20 (we are offering one of these below) were valued at $3,500-4,000. Today, this same coin has risen somewhat in value, but not nearly at the velocity of gold spot. When gold was $2,000 an ounce, the market premium was around 50%. With gold at $4,000, the market premium has dropped to around 20-30%.
We see examples of this throughout the Liberty Head double eagle series, and this is why we feel that nice circulated Type One coins represent exceptional value.
Most importantly, these coins contain almost a full ounce of gold (each coin contains 0.96750 oz. of gold).
When you purchase a semi-scarce $20 Lib you are building your gold stack up an ounce at a time. That—plus the numismatic premium—is your double play in a nutshell.
Type One Liberty Head double eagles were produced from 1850 through 1866 at three mints: Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Coins range from very common (with the famous 1857-S S.S. Central America coins being the single most available date of this design type) to extremely rare (the 1854-O and 1856-O issues are both worth in the $400,000-600,000 range, and are all but unknown in Uncirculated grades).
We are offering three nice coins, with more possibly available in the near future. Please note that all three are one-of-a-kind and are approved by CAC, which means that they will be above-average quality for the date and grade.
1850 $20.00 PCGS EF45 CAC
$5,599
This is among the most popular Type One issues due to its status as the very first double eagle made at the Philadelphia mint. It becomes difficult to locate in higher grades, and nice Uncirculated 1850 double eagles are quite rare.
This is a nice green-gold and russet example with sharp overall details for the assigned grade.
CAC has approved 43 in this grade with 139 finer.
1853 $20.00 PCGS AU55 CAC
$5,849
Moving up to the AU55 grade level, you get a far nicer coin than you do at the EF45 level. This is a common date in grades through AU53, while AU55 and finer 1853 double eagles can be tricky to locate.
This is a frosty, lightly circulated example with rich natural orange-gold color. A small dark streak that runs diagonally through the date is mint-made and it is the result of grease on the dies when the coin was struck.
CAC has approved 42 in this grade with 84 finer.
1853/2 $20.00 PCGS EF45 CAC
$6,149
This variety used to be called an 1853/2 overdate, but recent research discredits this. This is why it now designated as an 1853/‘2’ instead of as an 1853/2. Whatever its status, this variety is still scarce in all grades, and it is especially rare in AU55 and finer.
This piece has enough luster to qualify as an AU50, but the typical slight weakness of strike on the obverse narrowly holds it back.
CAC has approved six in this grade with 43 finer.
Please call one of our Preferred Client Relations representatives today at 800-831-0007 or email infoasi@assetstrategies.com to order any of these coins today.
*Prices are subject to change due to market fluctuation and product availability. Price includes free shipping, handling and insurance. Offer expires Friday November 7, 2025 or while supplies last.