1859 Pattern Double Eagle. Judd-257, Pollock-305. Rarity-6+. Copper. Reeded Edge. Proof-65 BN (PCGS). OGH. Obv: Liberty is seated left with 13 stars around the border. Libertys outstretched right hand supports a fasces, her left hand rests atop a shield. An olive spring and three arrows are at the base of the shield, and an eagle is standing behind. Rev: A heavy wreath of oak and (possibly) laurel leaves encircles the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, denomination 20 DOLLARS, and date 1859. Beautiful reddish-copper surfaces are handsomely original. A faint swirl of variegated olive-gray is well concealed within the wreath at the lower left reverse border. Satiny in texture and free of distracting marks, as befits the assigned grade. Close inspection of the obverse with a loupe reveals myriad tiny die rust lumps throughout. Fully struck.This is assistant engraver Anthony C. Paquets popular Liberty Seated motif. According to the <em>uspatterns.com</em> website, only 20 or so examples of this pattern double eagle type are known with a reeded edge, some of which have been gilt. There is also a unique plain edge impression (Pollock-306) that is currently off the market as part of the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation.
