

The $20 Liberty Head Gold Coin, often referred to as the Double Eagle, emerged after a hiatus of 32 years without any $20 gold pieces. Given its high gold content and prominent design, the Liberty Head $20 was both a workhorse of commerce and a symbol of America's rising economic power. The survival of well-preserved examples today is a tribute to the enduring quality of U.S. minting in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Craftsmanship: The Liberty Head $20 Gold Coin, commonly referred to as the Double Eagle, is one of the most iconic and historically significant coins ever produced by the United States Mint. First struck in 1850 and continuing through 1907, it was born in the wake of the California Gold Rush, when an influx of gold demanded the creation of larger denomination coins to handle substantial transactions. Composed of .900 fine gold (90% gold and 10% copper for durability), each coin contains 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold, with a total weight of 33.436 grams.
Design Details: Designed by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, the Liberty Head Double Eagle blends classical beauty with bold patriotic symbolism. The obverse features a stately left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, crowned with a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Encircling her image are 13 stars representing the original colonies, with the minting year placed at the bottom. The reverse showcases an eagle with outstretched wings, a shield at its breast, and a ribbon in its beak reading "E PLURIBUS UNUM." In its talons, the eagle clutches an olive branch and arrows, representing America's dual commitment to peace and defense. Above the eagle is the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST"—added in 1866—and surrounding the image are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "TWENTY D."
Investment and Legacy: The Liberty Head $20 Gold Coin offers exceptional value to both investors and collectors. With nearly a full ounce of gold and historical status as pre-1933 U.S. currency, it serves as both a tangible asset and a collectible heirloom. While its bullion content gives it intrinsic value tied to the gold market, its numismatic appeal—especially in higher grades or with rare mintmarks—often leads to premiums far above melt value.
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