1861 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle CACG AU55
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2026/10/02
again problems when checking out almost enough to make me stop
2026/10/02
For whatever reason you only allow 5 minutes to setup an account with banking info and to pay. With all the verifications that had to be done it took me 2 phones and at minimum 6 tries....that's annoying. We usually shop with APMEX and everything isn't on a timed rushed situation which makes for a much smoother process.
2026/10/02
east process
2026/10/02
Everything went smoothly.
2026/10/01
Great
2026/09/30
needed help with order received
Introduction
The 1861 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle graded CACG AU55 represents an important Civil War-era issue of America's largest circulating gold denomination. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% gold, the coin contains approximately .9675 troy oz of pure gold and features James B. Longacre's classic Liberty Head design.
History
The Liberty Head Double Eagle was introduced in 1850 following the authorization of the $20 denomination during the California Gold Rush. Designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, the denomination provided an efficient way to convert the nation's expanding gold supply into coinage.
The Philadelphia Mint struck 2,976,453 regular-issue Double Eagles in 1861, making it the highest-mintage Type I Philadelphia issue. Produced during the first year of the Civil War, the 1861 is part of the original Type I design, which does not include the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
Graded AU55 by CACG, this example retains strong overall detail with light evidence of circulation consistent with the About Uncirculated grade.
Design
The obverse features Liberty facing left and wearing a coronet inscribed with LIBERTY. Thirteen stars surround the portrait, representing the original states. The date 1861 appears below.
The reverse features a heraldic eagle with a shield across its breast. A ring of thirteen stars and rays appears above the eagle, while ornate scrollwork incorporates the inscription E PLURIBUS UNUM. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the upper border, with TWENTY D. below.
| Year | 1861 |
|---|---|
| Metal | Gold |
| Grade | AU55 |
| Mint | Philadelphia |
| Weight | 0.9675 |
| Fineness | .900 |
| Diameter | 34mm |
