Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1851
Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest. Scrolls on either side of eagle, ring of 13 stars above eagle's head, rays above stars.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY D. / E PLURIBUS UNUM / O
Description:
Mintage: 315,000
The 1851-O double eagle was struck in ample numbers and is readily available in circulated grades. A surprising number of examples are offered each year at auction. This is the result of popularity and availability. The issue was widely distributed and heavily circulated with most survivors grading Very Fine or Extremely Fine. The date is scarce in About Uncirculated and very rare in full Mint State. Several examples of the 1851-O double eagle were found on the wrecks of the S.S. Central America and the S.S. Republic. None were of Mint State quality. It is estimated that just 15 to 20 examples would qualify as Mint State by today’s standards.