Numismatic

1866 $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle AU-55 PCGS (w/Motto)

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The year 1866 marked a significant evolution for the United States twenty-dollar gold coin. This Liberty Gold Double Eagle, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, represents a pivotal design shift with the inclusion of the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" on the reverse. Containing nearly a full ounce of gold, specifically 0.9675 troy ounces of 0.900 fine precious metal, this coin is a substantial artifact from a transformative era in American minting. The obverse showcases the classic profile of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with her name, surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies, with the date 1866 positioned below. On the reverse, the heraldic eagle holds an olive branch and arrows, with the newly added motto nestled within the circle of stars above the eagle's head. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination "TWENTY D." frame the central design. This particular specimen has survived the decades in remarkable condition, certified in About Uncirculated 55 (AU-55) state. Out of an original mintage of 698,745 pieces struck in Philadelphia, very few remain in such a well-preserved state, making it a captivating object of study for those who appreciate the intersection of art, metalwork, and history.