1874-S $20 Liberty PCGS AU58 CAC

This particular Type maintains the same design on the obverse, with no alterations. However, several adjustments were introduced to the reverse. The oval formation of stars above the eagle's head was expanded, and the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" was positioned within that oval. Modifications were also made to the rays above the oval. The shield now features slightly curved sides, departing from the straight design of the previous Type. Additionally, the eagle's tail feathers are positioned lower and closer to the denomination lettering. Minor changes were made to the ends of the scrolls, the number of leaves on the scrolls, and the placement of the wing tips. The inclusion of the motto in our coinage was influenced by Reverend Mark R. Watkinson of Ridleyville, Pennsylvania. The profound religious sentiments stirred by the uncertainties and horrors of the Civil War prompted Rev. Watkinson to advocate for its addition. Secretary of the Treasury, Salmon P. Chase, concurred with this sentiment. He had the authority to determine inscriptions on coins, and in 1864, he initially added the motto to the 2-cent piece. Originally, the motto was intended to be "In God Our Trust," but Chase's association with Brown University, whose motto is "IN DEO SPERAMUS," meaning "IN GOD WE HOPE," may have influenced the final wording. It is believed that Secretary Chase had this in mind when deciding on the exact wording of the motto. The Coin Act of March 3, 1865, granted the Treasury discretionary power to include the motto "on all coins able to accommodate it," referring to coins large enough to accommodate the text. 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 inclusion of the motto on gold and silver coins. In 1955, Congress passed legislation requiring the motto to appear on all coins. The demand for Type 2 Double Eagles primarily comes from collectors interested in various coin types. While some collectors may acquire just one example, many seek specimens from each of the three Mints that produced these coins: Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Carson City. Only a few collectors attempt to assemble a complete date and mintmark set due to the considerable cost involved. The scarcest issue for this Type is the 1870-CC, with a mintage of only 3,789 pieces. All 1870-CC Double Eagles are exceedingly rare and carry a substantial price tag. To illustrate their rarity, between the two major coin grading services, PCGS and NGC, only 132 of these coins have ever been certified, and none have received a grade higher than AU-55.