1861-S $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle MS-61 NGC

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In 1861, the San Francisco Mint struck a significant run of double eagles, producing 768,000 of these large twenty dollar gold pieces. Each coin was crafted from 0.900 fine gold, containing 0.9675 troy ounces of the precious metal. Today, encountering an example preserved in certified Mint State 61 condition offers a remarkable look at the craftsmanship of the era. The obverse of this impressive coin features the classic profile of Liberty, her hair secured with a coronet bearing her name, "LIBERTY". Below her portrait, the year 1861 is clearly inscribed. On the reverse, the coin bears the distinctive "S" mint mark, denoting its origin from the historic San Francisco facility. This piece stands as a fascinating survivor from a pivotal moment in American history.