Numismatic

1898-S $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle AU

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In 1898, the San Francisco Mint produced this impressive gold double eagle, a denomination that circulated during a dynamic era in American history. Struck from 0.900 fine gold, this coin contains 0.9675 troy ounces of precious metal. While the original mintage reached 2,575,175 pieces, the passage of time and widespread government melting programs have made surviving specimens highly compelling objects of study. This particular example survives in Almost Uncirculated condition, preserving the details of a design that was minted from 1850 to 1907. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Liberty, her hair secured by a band inscribed with her name. Thirteen stars encircle the portrait, symbolizing the original colonies, with the date 1898 positioned at the base. On the reverse, a majestic heraldic eagle guards a shield on its breast. Above the eagle, another cluster of thirteen stars appears alongside the national motto "IN GOD WE TRUST". The outer rim is inscribed with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the face value, "TWENTY DOLLARS". Designed by James B. Longacre, this coin represents a classic era of United States Mint craftsmanship.