$20 Liberty MS64 Certified CAC (Dates/Types Vary)

This particular type maintains the same design on the front side with no alterations, but several changes were introduced to the reverse. The oval of stars positioned above the eagle's head was enlarged, accommodating the inclusion of the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" within that oval. Adjustments were also made to the rays above the oval. The shield's sides were slightly curved instead of straight, as seen in the previous type, and the eagle's tail feathers were positioned lower and closer to the lettering indicating the denomination. Minor modifications were made to the ends of the scrolls, the number of leaves on the scrolls, and the positioning of the wing tips.
The decision to incorporate the motto into our coinage was influenced by Reverend Mark R. Watkinson of Ridleyville, Pennsylvania. The Civil War, with its uncertainties and horrors, stirred strong religious sentiments among the populace, prompting Rev. Watkinson to advocate for its inclusion. Salmon P. Chase, the Secretary of the Treasury, concurred with this sentiment. Given his authority over coin inscriptions, Chase first introduced the motto on the 2-cent piece in 1864. Originally, the motto was intended to read as "In God Our Trust," but Chase's connection to his alma mater may have played a role in the final wording. Secretary Chase was a graduate of Brown University, which bore the motto "IN DEO SPERAMUS," translating to "IN GOD WE HOPE." It is believed that Chase had this in mind when deciding on the exact phrasing 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 incorporate it. The Mint interpreted this to include all silver coins larger than a dime, half eagles, eagles, and double eagles. It wasn't until 1908 that Congress mandated the motto's placement 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 arises from collectors focused on various types. While some collectors may acquire just one specimen, many seek examples from each of the three Mints that produced this coin: Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Carson City. Building a complete date and mintmark set is a significant undertaking due to the associated costs. The scarcest issue for this type is the 1870-CC, with a mere mintage of 3,789 pieces. All 1870-CC Double Eagles are exceptionally rare and carry a substantial price tag. To illustrate their rarity, only 132 coins have ever been certified between the two major grading services, PCGS and NGC, and none of them have been designated as uncirculated. Additionally, neither service has certified any examples with a grade higher than AU-55.