Numismatic

$20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle MS-63 NGC (Pre-1900)

---

In the latter half of the nineteenth century, the United States Mint produced a massive gold coin that would become a cornerstone of American commerce. Minted between the years 1850 and 1907, the twenty dollar denomination contains 0.9675 troy ounces of gold, struck with a purity of 90 percent. This specific certified specimen, graded Mint State 63, represents a piece struck before the turn of the century, dating from 1850 to 1899. The visual artistry of James B. Longacre shines on both sides of this impressive issue. On the obverse, a profile of Lady Liberty is encircled by thirteen stars, representing the original colonies. The reverse displays a heraldic eagle with wings fully extended, bearing a protective shield. Above the eagle, a halo of rays and thirteen additional stars illuminate the design. Bold inscriptions on this side declare the issuing authority as the United States of America, alongside the face value of Twenty Dollars. These historic coins were produced at several different facilities, including the mints in Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco. Finding a survivor in such a well-preserved, uncirculated state offers a direct window into the craftsmanship of early American coin production.