Numismatic

1850-1866 $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle Type 1 VF

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In 1850, a massive new denomination entered American commerce. The twenty-dollar gold piece, or double eagle, was introduced to accommodate the vast influx of precious metal during the gold rush era. Minted from 1850 to 1866, these specific early issues represent the initial design phase of the nation's largest circulating gold coin, struck at either the Philadelphia or San Francisco mints. Each coin contains 0.9675 troy ounces of gold and has survived decades of monetary changes, especially notable since a vast number of these issues were melted down in later years. Designed by James B. Longacre, the visual presentation is both elegant and deeply patriotic. The front of the coin showcases a left-facing profile of Liberty, her hair secured by a band clearly inscribed with her name. A ring of thirteen stars encircles her portrait, representing the original colonies. On the reverse, a powerful heraldic eagle stands with a protective shield over its chest. Thirteen stars form a halo above the eagle, while the surrounding inscriptions declare the nation of origin as the United States of America alongside the face value of twenty dollars.