Numismatic

1897 $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle MS-63 NGC

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In 1897, the Philadelphia Mint struck this impressive twenty dollar gold coin, a denomination born from the wealth of the American gold rushes. Crafted from 0.900 fine gold, the coin contains 0.9675 troy ounces of precious metal. This specific specimen has survived the decades in remarkable condition, earning a certified grade of Mint State 63. The obverse displays a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, her hair secured with a coronet that clearly bears the inscription of her name. Thirteen stars encircle the portrait, representing the original colonies, with the year 1897 anchored at the bottom. This classic image was envisioned by designer James Barton Longacre, whose work defined this denomination from 1850 to 1907. On the reverse, a bold heraldic eagle holds a shield, arrows, and an olive branch, symbolizing both strength and peace. The country of origin, United States of America, is arched above the eagle, while the denomination, Twenty Dollars, is inscribed below. The intricate details of the feathers and stars on the reverse showcase the high level of craftsmanship achieved by the mint during the late nineteenth century.