The start of the American Civil War in 1861 was a watershed year for gold coinage as well. The disruption caused by the conflict restricted that year's mintage of $20 Gold Pieces from the southern New Orleans Mint to under 18,000 strikings. As a result high-grade specimens exceed $20,000 in price—if one can even be found! This privately minted, non-monetary Proof, clad in 31 mg of .999 Pure Gold with the coveted 'O' mint mark and the magic date of 1861, can now be an historic addition to your collection.