Liberty Head Double Eagle ($20 Gold Piece)
Country of Origin: United States of America (US Mint)
Year of Issue: 1866–1876 (Type 2 with 'In God We Trust' and 'Twenty D.')
Denomination: $20 USD (Twenty Dollars)
Composition: 90% Gold, 10% Copper (.9675 oz AGW)
Brief Description
A large gold coin featuring a heraldic eagle on the reverse and a profile of Liberty on the obverse.
Historical Significance
Designed by James B. Longacre, the Double Eagle was created following the California Gold Rush to facilitate large transactions. It is one of the most iconic pieces of American numismatics, representing 19th-century American wealth and expansion.
Estimated Value
$2,200 (melt/junk) to $3,500+ for high-grade common dates; rare dates/mint marks exceed $10,000.
Care Instructions
Gold is a soft metal; handle only by the edges. Never scrub or clean the coin as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or a specialized coin capsule to prevent scratches and 'copper spots.'
Mint Mark
Not clearly visible in photo; check below the eagle's tail (typical: None for Philadelphia, S for San Francisco, CC for Carson City).
Mintage & Rarity
Common for most San Francisco and Philadelphia issues of this era; Carson City (CC) issues are rare and highly sought after.
Weight & Diameter
33.436 grams, 34.1 mm
Edge
Reeded
Apparent Grade
Very Fine (VF) to Extremely Fine (XF). The coin shows significant surface marks, wear on the high points of the eagle's feathers, and potential cleaning scratches.
Obverse (Front)
Lady Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed 'LIBERTY'. Surrounded by 13 stars with the date at the bottom.
Reverse (Back)
Heraldic Eagle with a shield, holding an olive branch and arrows. Motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' inside an oval of rays above the eagle. Legend: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'TWENTY D.'
What Drives This Coin's Value
Gold spot price (bullion value), mint mark rarity (especially CC), and the absence of cleaning or harsh scratches (which this example appears to have).
Similar Coins
Often confused with the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (1907-1933), which features a standing Liberty and a flying eagle.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Verify weight (33.4g) and diameter (34.1mm) with precision tools. Check for 'bubbling' or casting pits common in fakes. Look for 'copper spots' which are often signs of genuine old gold.
Notable Varieties & Errors
1866-S No Motto (rare transitional), various doubled dies, and the 1870-CC (extremely rare).
Created At: 2026-04-20T07:49:34.954473