Numismatic

1876 Twenty Cent Piece Fine

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In the mid 1870s, the United States Mint experimented with an unusual denomination that would ultimately become one of the shortest-lived coin series in American history: the twenty-cent piece. This 1876 silver coin, graded in Fine condition, represents a fascinating moment in the nation's currency development. Minted in Philadelphia with a total production run of just 39,700 pieces, this issue is highly prized by those who appreciate scarce, transitional currency experiments. The obverse of the coin displays a classic representation of Lady Liberty, adapted from an earlier design by Christian Gobrecht. She is depicted sitting down, holding a staff topped with a Phrygian cap in one hand while her other hand rests on a shield. Engraved below her is the date 1876. This side was designed by William Barber, who also created the reverse of the coin. On the reverse, a majestic eagle is shown clutching an olive branch and a bundle of arrows in its talons. The surrounding inscriptions clearly identify the issuing nation as the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and state the denomination as TWENTY CENTS. Struck from 0.900 fine silver, this coin contains 0.1447 troy ounces of precious metal, preserving a physical record of nineteenth-century American coinage artistry.