Olevian Numismatic Rarities
1875-S Liberty Head $20 Gold Piece PCGS Certified AU53
Product Description
The discovery of gold in 1848 at Sutter’s Mill in California persuaded Congress to expand its use in coin production. In March of 1849, legislation authorized the mintage of two new denominations of gold coins—the one dollar and twenty-dollar gold pieces—which became the smallest and largest regular production gold coins ever made in terms of both value and size.
The government needed a larger coin than the existing $10 piece to accommodate the massive quantities of gold being mined in California. The resulting $20 gold piece, commonly referred to as the “double eagle,” is an impressive coin. Containing nearly one full ounce of gold, it is a pleasure to hold these hefty pieces in your hand. The double eagle’s purchasing power was enormous and amounted to over a month of ordinary wages in 1850. Many people could not even afford to own one.
The obverse features a left-facing Liberty wearing a coronet, or small crown, encircled by 13 stars representing the original states. The reverse shows a heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest holding a double ribbon inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM, as well as an olive branch and arrows in its talons. Above the eagle is a halo of 13 stars and an arc of rays.
Product Details
- Measurements
4.5"L x 4.5"W x 1.5"H
- OriginUnited States
— Type: $20 Liberty Head Gold Double Eagle (1849-1907)
— Variety: Type 2, With Motto (1866-1876)
— Designer: James Barton Longacre
— Weight: 33.4 grams
— Diameter: 34.00 mm
— Composition: 0.900 gold and 0.100 copper
— Net gold weight: 0.9675 oz pure gold
— Obverse Design: Liberty with coronet, facing left / 13 stars
— Obverse Inscription: LIBERTY / DATE
— Reverse Design: Heraldic eagle with double ribbon, shield, olive branch, and arrows / Halo of 13 stars / Arc of rays
— Reverse Inscription: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / IN GOD WE TRUST / E PLURIBUS UNUM / TWENTY D.
Please Note: You will receive the exact item(s) shown in the photos.
The coin offered for sale in this listing has been certified by one or more of these leading services: Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), Or Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC)
FAQ
There is light tarnish on the reverse.
What is the grading of this coin by pcgs? Can the certificate be posted?The coin is graded AU53, as listed in the title and on the coin holder.
The PCGS certification labels are shown entirely in the photos.
Shipping Information
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Shipping AvailabilityCanada, United States
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Shipping PolicyStandard Ground Shipping
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Ship In3-4 weeks ⓘ
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Return PolicyFinal sale, not eligible for return or cancellation
Size Chart
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