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Just a few legitimate proof strikes are known of this issue. Millions of dollars’ worth of the 1853 900-Thousandths $20s were struck by the United States Assay Office, making these double eagles the most commonly encountered pioneer gold issue. Between 500 and 600 examples are known today, with somewhere around ten grading MS65 or MS66. 17 Kagin-18 $20s were recovered from the S.S. Central America. So-called “Prooflike Assay $20” forgeries were marketed by John J. Ford in the 1960s. These were initially exposed in the 1960s by numismatist Eric P. Newman, and the coin from which their dies were copied was identified in 2006 by David J. McCarthy.
Obverse Description
Eagle clutching shield and ribbon UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 900 THOUS TWENTY D.
Reverse Description
Engine turning UNITED STATES ASSAY OFFICE OF GOLD SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA. 1853.
Catalog Information
GSID:
11700
Obverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 900 THOUS TWENTY D.
Reverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES ASSAY OFFICE OF GOLD SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA. 1853.
Strike Type:
Proof
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Reeded
Variety:
U.S. Assay Office
Variety 2:
TWENTY D., 900 THOUS, K-18
Coin Date:
1853
Denomination:
G$20
Designation:
PR
Mint Location:
California
Coinage Type:
Private & Pioneer Gold
Coinage Years:
1852-1853
Composition:
Gold
Rarity:
8
PCGS #:
10014
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Subject: I would like to contribute catalog info to CDN for 1853 G$20 U.S. Assay Office, TWENTY D., 900 THOUS, K-18 PR
Body: Referring page: http://www.greysheet.com/prices/item/1853-united-states-assay-office-twenty-dollar-900-territorial-gold-coinage-proof-strike/gsid/11700 GSID: 11700 Title: 1853 G$20 U.S. Assay Office, TWENTY D., 900 THOUS, K-18 PR
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Coin Value History
1853 G$20 U.S. Assay Office, TWENTY D., 900 THOUS, K-18 PR
Currency
Grade Range
Grading Authority
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Pricing
Values
Greysheet & CPG® Values
1852 G$10 U.S. Assay Office, First Reverse, K-12 MS
Worth: $7,975 – $66,000
1852 G$10 U.S. Assay Office, Second Reverse, K-12a MS
Worth: $7,250 – $60,000
1852 G$50 U.S. Assay Office, 887 THOUS, K-13 MS
Worth: $28,000 – $200,000
1852 G$50 U.S. Assay Office, 900 THOUS, K-14 MS
Worth: $30,000 – $690,000
1853 G$10 U.S. Assay Office, TEN D., 884 THOUS, K-15 MS
Worth: $22,500 – $81,600
1853 G$10 U.S. Assay Office, TEN D., 900 THOUS, K-16 MS
Worth: $8,500 – $78,000
1853 G$20 U.S. Assay Office, TWENTY D., 884 THOUS, K-17 MS
Worth: $15,000 – $240,000
1853 G$20 U.S. Assay Office, TWENTY D., 900 THOUS, K-18 MS
Worth: $7,000 – $120,000
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Events
Heritage Auctions: US Currency Tuesday Select Auction
Location: Heritage Auctions
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Heritage Auctions: World Paper Money Tuesday Select Auction
Location: Heritage Auctions
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Heritage Auctions: World & Ancient Coins ANA Signature Auction & Platinum Session
Location: Heritage Auctions
Tuesday, September 1, 2026