History and Context
If it weren’t for the California gold rush of 1848, $20 Gold Liberty coins wouldn’t exist. Following this, gold was so readily available that there was suddenly a pressing need for high-denomination coinage. Congress authorized the minting of the $20 Liberty series in 1849, and the coin entered into circulation the following year.
These $20 Double Eagles contain 90% pure gold — something near the modern equivalent of 20 or 22-karat. It underwent three significant design changes over the years:
- Type I Eagles: These ‘no motto’ coins featured a Classical-inspired Liberty head in profile on the obverse, and an eagle based on the Great Seal on the reverse. Chief Engraver James Barton Longacre oversaw the design. The Philadelphia mint produced most of these coins between 1850 and 1866, though some were struck in San Francisco and New Orleans, as well.
- Type II Eagles: Type 2 Eagles feature the addition of the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" on the reverse side, which the Mint Act of 1865 mandated for all future coinage. Longacre made a few other minor changes at this time, including straightening the shield on the Great Seal. Between 1866 and 1877, the Philadelphia, Carson City, and San Francisco mints produced more than 16 million Type 2 Gold Liberty coins.
- Type III Eagles: These Eagles incorporate additional design changes overseen by new Chief Engraver William Barber. Most notable among these include replacing the inscription “TWENTY D.” with “TWENTY DOLLARS,” and tilting the Liberty Head forward. Type 3 Eagles remained in production for more than 30 years — in that time, the Philadelphia, San Francisco, Carson City, New Orleans, and Denver mints produced more than 64 million business strike versions.
One of the main benefits of collecting $20 Gold Liberty coins today is that, like all pre-1933 gold products, they are considered a collectible rather than an investment. This confers some privacy advantages, as they don’t require reporting on U.S. Government Form 1099.
If you are buying for investment purposes, we typically recommend choosing Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) certified products in Mint State (MS) condition, as these tend to offer the best long-term value.
Buying $20 Gold Liberty Coins Online
Mint State Gold frequently has high quality, PCGS- or NGC-graded $20 Gold Liberty coins for sale in our online store. We offer free shipping on select products, as well as a 14-day guarantee on all numismatic purchases.
Looking for something in particular to add to your collection? If you don’t see it online, there’s a good chance we can source it for you. Contact us for assistance from one of our knowledgeable representatives.
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