1866-S $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle XF-45 NGC (No Motto)

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In 1866, the San Francisco Mint struck a limited run of 120,000 Liberty Gold Double Eagles that represent a fascinating transitional moment in American numismatic history. This particular twenty-dollar piece is a "No Motto" variety, meaning it lacks the inscription "In God We Trust" on the reverse, a feature that was introduced to the denomination during that very year. Crafted from 0.900 fine gold and containing 0.9675 troy ounces of precious metal, this coin bears the "S" mintmark of the western mint. It has survived the decades in Extremely Fine condition, certified as XF-45. The obverse displays the classic portrait of Liberty, with the clear date of 1866 anchored at the bottom, making it a captivating survivor from an era of changing national design standards.