1864 $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle AU-55 PCGS

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In 1864, the Philadelphia Mint produced a limited run of 204,235 gold double eagles. Today, surviving examples like this one, certified in Almost Uncirculated 55 condition, offer a tangible look at the United States currency system during a pivotal moment in the nation's history. Containing nearly a full ounce of pure gold (0.9675 troy ounces), this heavy twenty-dollar denomination was a cornerstone of high-value transactions. The obverse of the coin features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty. Her hair is secured in a bun with curls cascading down her neck, while her head is adorned with a pearl-bordered diadem. The word LIBERTY is clearly inscribed upon this crown, with the year 1864 positioned directly beneath the bust. On the reverse, a grand heraldic design showcases an eagle with its wings fully spread, protecting a shield on its breast. Above the eagle, an oval of thirteen stars is illuminated by a halo of rays. The entire central design is encircled by the inscriptions United States of America and the denomination Twenty Dollars. This classic motif, designed by James B. Longacre, graced the nation's double eagles from 1850 to 1907.