2016-12-16 Fri

The finest known as well as one of the just two examples of 1861 Coronet, Paquet Reverse gold $20 double eagle will be showcased as a $16 million worth exhibit by Monaco Rare Coins from 5th to 7th January during the Florida United Numismatists convention in Fort Lauderdale. Insured for $8 million, the coin will be on a public exhibit for the first time in 10 years.

The Mint State 67 coin was purchased by Larry Lee, president of Coin and Bullion Reserves in Panama City, Fla., from Brian Hendelson who also holds many other important positions. It will be showcased at NGC’s table 200 on the FUN bourse with the 46-coin Horseneck Collection of Type I Double Eagles.

The coin is named after a mid-19th century engraver at the US Mint, Anthony C. Paquet. Only some of these coins were struck in Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints from 1860 to 1861. The reverse has slightly taller letters than the similar reverse design by Chief Mint engraver James B. Longacre on other double eagles that were struck during that time.

The Horseneck Collection has 46 1850 to 1866 dated double eagles, a few of which were discovered from famous shipwrecks — the 1857 sinking of the ‘Ship of Gold,’ the SS Central America; the 1865 wreck of the SS Republic; and the 1865 sinking of the SS Brother Jonathan.