$20 Gold Double Eagle Liberty Head Type I - Polished or Cleaned (Random Year, 1850-1866)

### **$20 Gold Double Eagle Liberty Head Type I - Polished or Cleaned (Random Year, 1850-1866)** **Introduction:** The Liberty Head [Double Eagle](file:///20-gold-double-eagle-liberty-type-almost-uncirculated-au-random-year) is also known as the Coronet Double Eagle. This was the largest denomination coin that was first minted as a pattern coin in 1849. It was minted for commerce from 1850-1907. The California Gold Rush in 1849 led the government to consider a higher denomination coin that would make trade and commerce easier and that is how the Double Eagle or Twenty Dollars came into being. Before that, the highest denomination that existed was only Ten Dollars. The designer of this coin is[James B. Longacre](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_B._Longacre), chief engraver of Philadelphia Mint at that time. These coins have fetched a high value due to their rarity. **Coin Features:** - Contains .9675 Troy Ounce of .900 pure gold. - Type I (Without Motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”) ­ Polished or Cleaned Condition. - Obverse – A design by James B Longacre, depicts leftward facing [Lady Liberty](https://www.britannica.com/story/who-was-the-woman-behind-the-statue-of-liberty) wearing a pearl-studded Coronet with “LIBERTY” inscribed on it. Encircled by 13 stars to represent the 13 original colonies of the US. At the bottom is the year of mintage. - Reverse: Features a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast and holding olive branches and arrows in its talons, a design inspired by the Great Seal of United States. 13 stars form a halo over the eagle’s head. Inscriptions – “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY D.” Ribbons are inscribed, “E PLURIBUS” on the left and “UNUM” on the right. - Individual coins will be shipped in protective plastic flips. Higher numbers will be packed safely for shipping. - Minted from 1850-1866, dates and mint mark will be chosen randomly based on availability. - U.S. Mint issue from the following mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco. - 100% authentic. **Why Buy Liberty Head Double Eagles?** - These coins can fetch a high premium depending on the scarcity and condition. - They have high collectible value due to their design, age, and significance. - It has great investment value because of its bullion content. - These coins could be a great heirloom or a gift for a Golden Jubilee Birthday or Anniversary. - Diversifies and stabilizes investment portfolio. - Precious metals like gold have a base value that does not change. **Detailed Information:** By the Authorization of Mint Act of 1792, the highest denomination that ever existed in United States of America was $10 Eagle coins. The California Gold Rush in 1849, however, lead the Government to consider having an even higher denomination than $10 due to the newly found abundance of gold. Thus $20 came into existence. Since the value of $20 was exactly double that $10 Eagle, the $20 was named the Double Eagle. The chief engraver of the Philadelphia Mint, James Barton Longacre was commissioned to design the coin. For the obverse, Longacre designed a leftward facing bust portrait of Lady Liberty which drew inspiration from an ancient Greco-Roman sculpture, the Crouching Venus. Lady Liberty’s hair is loosely tied to a bun with a few curls swaying down to her neck. She is wearing a beautiful pearl­ bordered coronet on her head which has the inscription “LIBERTY” on it. The main device is surrounded by 13 stars which represent the original 13 colonies of the United States. Below the main device is the year of mintage. The designer James B. Longacre’s initials J.B.L. can be seen on the truncation of the head. For the reverse, inspired by the Great Seal of United States, Longacre designed a heraldic eagle protecting a shield, the shield represents the nation. The eagle is holding arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in its right talon to depict preparedness and desire for peace. The eagle is holding an elaborate double ribbon that extends down to the eagle's tail feathers. On the left ribbon is the inscription E PLURIBUS and on the right ribbon is the inscription UNUM. This double ribbon was added to denote the denomination of the coin $20 or known as Double Eagle. Thirteen stars form an oval halo over the eagle’s head. An arc of rays can be seen from the left-wing tip to right-wing tip in the background. The main device is encircled by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY D.” The mint mark can be seen between the N of TWENTY and the tail feathers. **Depending on the design the Liberty Head Double Eagles are divided into three types:** - Type 1 – (1849-1866) Without a motto on the reverse. The shield has straight sides. - Type 2 – (1866-1876) With motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” added in the middle of the oval of stars above the eagle. A rounded and ornate shield replaced the simple straight shield. - Type 3 – (1877-1907) “TWENTY D” was replaced by “TWENTY DOLLARS” and Lady Liberty’s head tilted forward by Chief Engraver William Barber. In 1849 only two pattern coins were struck of which one rests in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian. It was minted for commerce from 1850-1907. The [**Double Eagle Liberty Head**](file:///buy-gold/us-gold-coins/pre-1933/saint-gaudens-double-eagle)[**Gold Coins**](file:///buy-gold/us-gold-coins/pre-1933/saint-gaudens-double-eagle) were minted in Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco. Most of the high grade gem condition Type I double eagles that are available right now were all obtained from the shipwrecks. The coins had rested in the shipwreck for almost a century before they were discovered. These shipwrecks the SS Brother Jonathan, the SS Central America, and the SS Yankee Blade. Thousands of pristine conditioned 1857 double eagles struck at San Francisco sank with the SS Central America off the East Coast of the United States that September. These are some rare and beautiful coins with high intrinsic and artistic value and is held in high regard by the numismatists. It would be a great addition to any investment portfolio. Bullion Exchanges is pleased to offer you these $20 Gold Double Eagle Liberty Head Type I at one of the most competitive prices in the industry. Feel free to browse our vast collection of [**Pre-1933 US Gold coins**](file:///buy-gold/us-gold-coins/pre-1933) today to become a proud owner of an inseparable part of American coinage history. Contact us at 800-852-6884 if you have any questions in regards to Pre-1933 gold coins.