Liberty Head $20 Gold Double Eagle (1849–1907)

The Liberty Head $20 Gold Double Eagle, introduced in 1849, represents one of the most iconic and largest denominations in U.S. coinage history. This coin was born out of the California Gold Rush, a period of unprecedented gold production, which created the need for higher-denomination coins to handle large quantities of gold bullion ... Read More

Liberty Head $20 Gold Double Eagle (1849–1907)

The Liberty Head $20 Gold Double Eagle, introduced in 1849, represents one of the most iconic and largest denominations in U.S. coinage history. This coin was born out of the California Gold Rush, a period of unprecedented gold production, which created the need for higher-denomination coins to handle large quantities of gold bullion efficiently.

Key Specifications

• Designer: James Barton Longacre
• Issue Dates: 1849–1907
• Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
• Diameter: 34 mm
• Weight: 33.43 grams (515.99 grains)
• Edge: Reeded

Historical Significance

The Liberty Head $20 Gold Double Eagle served as a symbol of America’s economic expansion and growing prominence in the 19th century. Introduced during the California Gold Rush, it was the largest circulating gold coin of its time, with nearly a full ounce of gold content (.9675 fine gold). Its impressive size and weight made it an essential tool for large transactions and international trade.

Design Overview

• Obverse: The obverse features a portrait of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, surrounded by stars representing the states in the Union, with the date below. This design is based on Longacre’s earlier Liberty head motif used on smaller denominations.
• Reverse: The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, holding arrows and an olive branch. The inscription includes UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination, which changes across the three major types.

Design Types

Type 1: No Motto (1850–1866)

• Mintage: 23,526,676 (business strikes)
• Description: This initial design lacks the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on the reverse. The denomination is expressed as TWENTY D. below the eagle.
• Collectibility: Common dates can be found in grades from Very Fine to Extremely Fine. AU pieces are scarce, and Uncirculated examples are rare. Specimens from early shipwreck recoveries, like those from the S.S. Central America, are especially popular among collectors.

Type 2: With Motto (1866–1876)

• Mintage: 16,160,758 (business strikes)
• Description: The motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added within the arc of stars above the eagle following the Civil War. The denomination remains TWENTY D.
• Collectibility: Common dates are available in mid-grades, with Uncirculated examples being rare. The 1870-CC is a notable rarity, highly prized by collectors.

Type 3: TWENTY DOLLARS (1877–1907)

• Mintage: 64,137,477 (business strikes)
• Description: The denomination was updated to read TWENTY DOLLARS, marking the third and final design type. Production continued at multiple mints, including Philadelphia, San Francisco, Carson City, New Orleans, and Denver.
• Collectibility: Examples from the later years of production, such as those dated 1904, are more abundant. Rare issues include the 1883 and 1884 Philadelphia coins, which are legendary for their scarcity.

Collecting Liberty Head $20 Gold Double Eagles

The Liberty Head $20 is both a numismatic treasure and an investment-grade coin.

• Rarity: Completing a date and mintmark set is challenging due to ultra-rare issues like the 1854-O, 1856-O, 1870-CC, and proof-only issues of the 1880s.
• Condition: Coins from the final years (1894–1907) are often found in XF or AU grades and are popular for bullion investment due to their gold content.
• Shipwreck Coins: Double Eagles recovered from shipwrecks like the S.S. Central America and S.S. Republic offer collectors a chance to own coins with unique historical provenance.

Why Choose ParadimeCoins.com for Liberty Head $20 Gold Eagles?

At ParadimeCoins.com, we specialize in rare and high-quality Liberty Head $20 Gold Double Eagles. Our curated selection includes:

• Shipwreck Recoveries: Coins with exceptional history and eye appeal.
• Rare Dates and Mintmarks: For the serious numismatist.
• High-Grade Examples: Perfect for investment or type sets.

Explore our inventory today and add a piece of American history to your collection!