The 1853 $20 double eagle minted in Philadelphia this year is generally very well struck, a feature noted in many catalog descriptions. Several interesting repunched date varieties are known and provide good cherrypicking opportunities to discerning collectors. Despite a considerably lower mintage, the 1853 double eagle exhibits a rarity profile similar to the 1851 and 1852 issues. Most examples are well worn and can be had for minimal numismatic premium, and it is only in Choice AU condition that this issue becomes slightly scarce. However, populations dwindle considerably in Mint State, with an estimated 30-40 unique examples known.

We wrote the following in our April 2022 Auction Catalog, saying: "The Philadelphia Mint's output of double eagles in 1853 fell somewhat from the previous year, resulting in a mintage of 1,261,326 circulation strikes for a face value total of $25,226,520. Some portion of this mintage went overseas in later years, primarily to London, with many such pieces returning to the United States after World War Two. Despite third party certification data that suggests otherwise -- undoubtedly due to multiple resubmissions -- we believe that perhaps as few as 30 to 40 different Mint State 1853 double eagles can be accounted for today. This is a remarkably small total considering the "common date" status this issue has in numismatic circles. Obviously, the 1853 is far more elusive in Mint State than the relatively generous mintage suggests."

The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in April 2022 as part of the Fairmont Collection, Hendricks Set, where it realized $50,400.