Bids for 'legendary coin rarity' the 1854-O Double Eagle reach $360,000

Bowers and Merena's August 2010 Boston Rarities Sale is set to enter its live auction on August 7. By then it will have achieved some extremely impressive bids on its key lots.

We've already mentioned the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar which still leads the auction, and the finest known 1901-S Half Dollar. But there is a key coin right in between the two in terms of age which cannot be overlooked.

The 1854-O Double Eagle trails only the 1856-O to rank second in rarity among the 13 New Orleans Mint issues of this denomination, and is a legend amongst the Type I series.

1854-O Double Eagle
1854-O gold Double Eagle coin

Only 3,250 pieces were ever minted, and these suffered a terrible loss rate by circulation. Those which survive are typically in compromised condition, but not this. Only a few wispy hairlines are apparent and it is one of the key gold lots in a sale which boasts an exceptional array of stunning rare gold coins.

Bowers and Merena are taking online bids ahead of the floor session, and the current bid for the 1854 is $360,000. Collectors and investors who want to go higher than that will have to offer an extra $10,000 just to have their bid acknowledged.

Watch this space for more news on this extraordinary auction.

 

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