Numismatic

1897 $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle MS-62 NGC

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Struck in 1897 at the Philadelphia Mint, this twenty-dollar gold piece represents a classic era of American coinage. The coin is composed of 90 percent gold, containing 0.9675 troy ounces of the precious metal. This specific specimen has been officially graded as Mint State 62, preserving its historical details for modern observers to study. The obverse side presents a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, her hair secured with a coronet that clearly displays the word Liberty. Surrounding her profile is a ring of thirteen stars, representing the original colonies. The reverse side features a detailed heraldic eagle, a traditional symbol of the nation, accompanied by the inscriptions United States of America and Twenty Dollars. Designed by James Barton Longacre, this iconic design was produced for over half a century, from 1850 to 1907. Examining this 1897 issue offers a direct connection to the late nineteenth-century monetary system of the United States, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of the era's minting process.