From February 9, 1854, to 1855, Kellogg & Co. played a crucial role by delivering approximately 300,000 twenty-dollar gold pieces. This contribution helped fulfill the coinage needs of Californians while they awaited the official inauguration of the San Francisco Mint. In this regard, Kellogg & Co. stands alongside Moffat & Co. and the United States Assay Office of Gold as one of the pivotal private minting institutions during the California Gold Rush. Kellogg & Co. minted nearly $80,000 daily in gold coinage. They produced a $20 Double Eagle which is one of the most recent issues produced by a private minter. 

The U.S. population's preference was for the U.S. minted gold coinage not that of private territorial issues and as such the vast majority were melted. The 1855 $20 Kellogg should be a common coin but the majority did not survive. It is difficult to locate an example in any grade and in mint state they are virtually nonexistent.  The Kellogg $20 gold pieces can be found with long and short arrows on the reverse. Though collecting both varieties can prove costly very quickly. 

This significant issue of privately produced California Gold Rush coinage is very original and sharply struck. The details remaining suggest a higher grade. We think the technical grade of this coin was held back from AU58 because of one mark on Liberty’s hair which is not detracting when in hand. We believe grading was incredibly tough due to the extremely limited population and rarity of this issue. The coloration is an attractive yellow straw gold. The surfaces are choice and attractive for the grade. The last sold example, a PCGS AU53 was for $19,200 08/22 HA and it had many more marks and abrasions for the grade, whilst a more pertinent lower grade PCGS AU50 for $16,800 06/24 HA, making this example prime for appreciation.

NGC Cert Verification #6878825-004/53

• PCGS Price Guide - $19,000
• PCGS POP - 11/36
• NGC Price Guide - N/A
• NGC POP - 11/47
• PCGS Coin# - 10225

Paradime Coins collects Sales Tax when applicable. Please read our Policy tab for more information.