Whitman Expo
1849 Gold Pattern $20 PR J-117 Values
Details
Said to be in “minutely higher relief” than the later circulating coins (of 1850). The gold impression is unique and in the National Numismatic Collections of the Smithsonian Institution. The existence of a second gold example has been rumored for a long time, but no evidence of it has ever surfaced. A brass piece is stated to have been “restruck for R.C. Davis,” but its location is now unknown.
Obverse: Liberty Head or Coronet Head, facing left, 13 stars surrounding, date 1849 below. Initials JBL, for Longacre, on neck truncation.
Reverse: Heraldic eagle, ornate bands to left and right, stars and rays above. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY D. around border.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
Unique
Coinage Type:
Pattern
Coinage Years:
1849
Composition:
Gold
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Gold
Variety 2:
J-117
Rarity:
R-unique
Physical Characteristics
Strike Type:
Proof
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James Longacre
Obverse Designer:
James Longacre
Reverse Designer:
James Longacre
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