1853 Double Eagles Liberty Head NGC AU-53 /1--3 VP-001

1853/1–3 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle – VP-001 – NGC AU53

Rare Overdate Variety – Bold Diagnostics – Superior Eye Appeal

Offered here is a scarce and intriguing 1853/1–3 Liberty Head $20 Double Eagle, attributed as VP-001 and certified AU53 by NGC. This overdate features a bold remnant of a “1” beneath the final digit “3,” visible even without magnification—making it one of the most dramatic varieties in the Liberty Head double eagle series.

Comparison: 1853/1–3 vs. 1853/2

While both the 1853/1–3 and 1853/2 are notable overdates, the 1853/1–3 is:

Considerably rarer, with fewer certified examples in AU and higher grades

More dramatic visually, with the underlying digit more clearly punched under the 3

No record of this coin ever being offered at auction, making it more desirable for advanced collectors

The 1853/2 variety sees broader recognition due to its inclusion in earlier reference texts, but the 1853/1–3 is rapidly gaining traction among specialists and is significantly underappreciated in the current market.

Coin Highlights:

Date/Variety: 1853/1–3 VP-001

Grading Service: NGC

Grade: AU53 – attractive luster with only light wear on the highest points

Historic Context: Struck during the California Gold Rush boom, these large-format gold coins were vital to early commerce

Visual Appeal: Clean fields for the grade, bold detail, and original golden toning

This is a rare opportunity to own a sharply defined overdate variety that rivals—and arguably exceeds—the desirability of its 1853/2 counterpart.