1861-S Coronet Head Gold $20 Double Eagle: Paquet Reverse
The 1861-S Coronet Head Gold $20 Double Eagle with the Paquet Reverse is a coin of exceptional rarity and historical significance.
Designed by Anthony C. Paquet, the Paquet Reverse is distinguished by its distinctive design features, which were intended to improve the coin's striking characteristics.
The obverse of the coin features the familiar Coronet Head design by James B. Longacre, depicting Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY."
The obverse also displays thirteen stars representing the original colonies and the date "1861" below Liberty's portrait.
The reverse of the coin, designed by Paquet, features an eagle with outstretched wings, holding arrows and an olive branch, with a shield at its breast.
The design differs from the standard reverse design in its arrangement and size of the lettering, as well as the shape of the eagle's wings.
The Paquet Reverse was only used for a brief period in 1861 before it was replaced due to striking issues. Consequently, the 1861-S Coronet Head Gold $20 Double Eagle with the Paquet Reverse is extremely rare, with only a small number of specimens known to exist.
The Rare Bicentennial Quarter: Valued at nearly $49 million USD, this exceptional coin represents the pinnacle of numismatic rarity. Its journey from the mint to its current status as a coveted treasure is shrouded in mystery and intrigue.