1866-S $20 Liberty No Motto PCGS XF45 CAC

This 1866-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle is a key offering for collectors of rare and transitional U.S. gold coinage. Graded XF45 by PCGS and approved by CAC, this historic coin marks the final year that the No Motto reverse was struck at the San Francisco Mint. It is widely recognized as one of the most important one-year types in the Liberty Head Double Eagle series.

In early 1866, the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" was added to many U.S. coin designs, including the $20 gold piece. However, the San Francisco Mint struck a portion of its Double Eagle mintage that year using leftover No Motto reverse dies. As a result, the 1866-S No Motto is a transitional issue produced in limited quantity, and it remains highly sought after today for its rarity and historical significance.

This example features strong remaining design detail and rich golden color. Liberty’s portrait is well-defined with clear lines in the hair and coronet, and the reverse eagle retains impressive sharpness for the grade. The fields are smooth and evenly worn with a pleasing, original appearance. The CAC sticker confirms that this coin meets strict standards for quality at its grade level and offers superior eye appeal for an XF45.

Survivors of this issue are uncommon in any grade, and examples that have been certified and approved by both PCGS and CAC are increasingly difficult to locate. The 1866-S No Motto has long been a cornerstone coin for collectors of Type I Double Eagles and is particularly prized by those building sets of transitional issues or San Francisco Mint gold.

This coin presents a rare opportunity to own a certified piece of American numismatic history that captures a defining moment in the evolution of U.S. coin design.