Numismatic

1861 $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle VF Details (Cleaned)

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Struck during a monumental year in American history, this 1861 twenty-dollar gold piece represents a classic era of United States coinage. The obverse side displays a left-facing portrait of Liberty, her hair bound by a band clearly inscribed with her name, surrounded by a ring of thirteen stars. This design, created by James B. Longacre, was a staple of American commerce, with the series minted from 1850 to 1907. On the reverse, a detailed heraldic eagle guards a shield placed upon its breast. Above the eagle, another cluster of thirteen stars appears, encircled by the legend indicating the nation of origin, United States of America, along with the denomination. This substantial coin contains 0.9675 troy ounces of gold, minted with a purity of 0.900. Having survived more than a century and a half, this specific piece is graded in Very Fine condition, showing signs of cleaning that tell a story of its long journey through time.