1874-CC $20 Liberty PCGS AU55 CAC

For this particular coin Type, there are no alterations on the obverse, but several adjustments were introduced on the reverse side. The oval of stars positioned above the eagle's head was enlarged, and within this oval, the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" was incorporated. Modifications were also made to the rays above the oval. The shield's sides are now slightly curved, departing from the previous Type's straight design. The eagle's tail feathers are positioned lower and closer to the lettering indicating the denomination. Minor changes were implemented on the ends of the scrolls, the number of leaves adorning the scrolls, and the placement of the wing tips.
The addition of the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" to our coinage was initiated by Reverend Mark R. Watkinson of Ridleyville, Pennsylvania. The uncertainties and horrors of the Civil War stirred profound religious sentiments among the population, and Reverend Watkinson believed that this should be acknowledged. Secretary of the Treasury, Salmon P. Chase, concurred, and with his authority over coin inscriptions, Chase initially had the motto added to the 2-cent piece in 1864. Originally, the motto was intended to read as "In God Our Trust," but Chase's alma mater may have influenced the final wording. Secretary Chase was a graduate of Brown University, whose motto "IN DEO SPERAMUS" translates to "IN GOD WE HOPE." It is believed that Chase had this in mind when determining the precise wording of the motto.
The Coin Act of March 3, 1865, granted the Treasury discretionary authority to include the motto "on all coins able to accommodate it," referring to coins of sufficient size to bear the motto. The Mint interpreted this to apply to all silver coins larger than a dime, half eagles, eagles, and double eagles. It wasn't until 1908 that Congress mandated the motto's inclusion on gold and silver coins. In 1955, Congress passed legislation requiring the motto to be featured on all coins.
The demand for Type 2 Double Eagles primarily comes from collectors specializing in various coin types. While some collectors aim to acquire just one specimen, many seek examples from each of the three Mints that produced these coins: Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Carson City. Only a few collectors take on the challenge of assembling a complete set of dates and mintmarks due to the associated costs.