(Newport Beach, California) – One of the two known 1861 Philadelphia Mint Paquet Reverse $20 gold coins has been sold for a record $2.5 million by Monaco Rare Coins of Newport Beach, California.

“The buyer is an Orange County California business executive who has been collecting since childhood and now is assembling a marvelous collection of Type One (“Liberty Head” 1850 to 1866) Double Eagles. The record price for this spectacular rarity is indicative of the desirability of this historic coin as well as the continuing strength of the rare coin market,” said Adam Crum, Vice President of Monaco.

The sale was announced by Crum during the recent Long Beach Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Expo where the coin was part of a multi-million exhibit of Type One Double Eagles. The coin is graded PCGS MS-61.

The anonymous new owner issued a brief statement saying, “I am extremely grateful to Adam Crum and Monaco for the acquisition of this coin. I am honored to be the custodian of such an important piece of history.” (more…)