Numismatic

1894 $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle BU

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The 1894 gold double eagle represents a classic era of United States coinage, minted during a period spanning from 1850 to 1907. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this twenty dollar denomination contains 0.9675 troy ounces of gold, alloyed to a purity of 0.900. Over the decades, many of these substantial gold pieces were melted down, making surviving specimens in brilliant uncirculated condition particularly compelling to study. Designed by James B. Longacre, the obverse of the coin displays a left-facing portrait of Liberty. Her hair is bound by a band clearly inscribed with her name, and thirteen stars encircle the central bust to represent the original colonies. The year 1894 is anchored at the bottom of the design. On the reverse, a detailed heraldic eagle stands with a protective shield draped across its breast. A cluster of thirteen stars floats above the eagle, accompanied by the national name, United States of America, and the face value, written as Twenty Dollars. The intricate details of the feathers and the bold lettering showcase the artistry of late nineteenth-century American minting.