$20 Liberty Head Double Eagle MS62 (Dates Vary)

Introduction

The $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle is a classic United States gold coin produced for circulation from 1850 through 1907. Designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, the series was introduced during the California Gold Rush and became an important denomination for converting the nation's expanding gold supply into coinage. This example is graded MS62, indicating an uncirculated coin with no wear from circulation. Dates and mintmarks vary based on availability.

History

Congress authorized the $20 double eagle denomination in 1849 as large quantities of gold from California entered the nation's monetary system. Experimental pieces were produced in 1849, while regular circulation coinage began in 1850. The Liberty Head Double Eagle remained in production through 1907 and was struck at the Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City, and Denver Mints during various periods of the series.

The Liberty Head Double Eagle is divided into three major types. Type I coins, struck from 1850 through 1866, lack the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. Type II introduced the motto in 1866 and continued through 1876. In 1877, the denomination on the reverse was changed from TWENTY D. to TWENTY DOLLARS, creating the Type III design that remained in production through 1907.

Design

The obverse features James B. Longacre's left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY. Her hair is arranged in a bun with curls descending behind her neck, while thirteen stars representing the original states surround the portrait and the date appears below.

The reverse features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings and a shield on its breast, surrounded by an oval of stars and rays. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appears around the design, with the denomination below. Depending on the date and type, the denomination appears as either TWENTY D. or TWENTY DOLLARS. Type II and Type III coins also feature the motto IN GOD WE TRUST above the eagle.