Stack’s 5/1991:1674, $28,600 - AWA Collection
Galveston Collection - American Numismatic Rarities 7/2005:352, $21,850
Ron Guth: David Akers remarked years ago that "All specimens that I have seen [of the 1853-O $20] were either semi-prooflike or prooflike." In keeping with this theme, NGC has certified one example of the 1853-O $20 as an SP61 -- indicating a special striking of some sort. Apparently, the market agrees because when the coin appeared at auction in August 2015, it sold for $352,500. Harry Bass had an 1853-O Eagle that may have been a companion piece at one time. His was an 1853-O $10, also in NGC SP61, that fetched $316,250 at auction in 2010. No documentation exists to explain why these special coins were made, but they are clearly different from their siblings.