Liberty Head Double Eagle: History, Value and America's $20 Gold Coin
The Liberty Head Double Eagle is one of the most iconic gold coins in American history. Produced for regular issue from 1850 through 1907, this historic $20 gold piece represents the California Gold Rush, the American Civil War, westward expansion and the rise of the United States as an economic powerhouse.
Also known as the Coronet Double Eagle, the coin was designed by James B. Longacre and contains approximately 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold. Today, these historic coins are sought after by numismatists, gold investors and collectors of pre-1933 United States coinage.
At IDC Coin & Bullion, headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, we help collectors explore historic American gold coins through our nationwide online store and our network of 11 retail locations.
Whether you're researching the history of the $20 Liberty gold coin, comparing rare dates or looking to purchase collectible American gold, understanding the Liberty Head Double Eagle is an excellent place to begin.
What Is a Liberty Head Double Eagle?
A Liberty Head Double Eagle is a $20 United States gold coin designed by James B. Longacre and issued for circulation from 1850 to 1907. The first experimental pieces were struck in 1849, following congressional authorization of the new denomination during the California Gold Rush.
The coin features Lady Liberty wearing a coronet on the obverse and a heraldic American eagle on the reverse. Its $20 denomination was twice the value of the existing $10 Eagle, giving the coin its distinctive name.
Liberty Head $20 Gold Coin Specifications
- Denomination: $20 United States Gold Double Eagle
- Regular Production: 1850–1907
- Designer: James B. Longacre
- Composition: 90% gold and 10% copper
- Total Weight: 33.436 grams
- Actual Gold Weight: Approximately 0.9675 troy ounces
- Diameter: 34 millimeters
- Edge: Reeded
- Historical Classification: Pre-1933 United States Gold Coin
The combination of precious metal content, historical significance and numismatic appeal makes the Liberty Head Double Eagle an important part of American gold coin collecting.
The California Gold Rush and the Birth of the $20 Double Eagle
The history of the Liberty Head Double Eagle begins in 1848, when gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in California.
The California Gold Rush attracted thousands of prospectors and introduced enormous quantities of newly mined gold into the American economy. As gold production increased, the United States needed a practical way to convert the precious metal into standardized currency.
Before the Double Eagle, the largest regularly issued United States gold coin was the $10 Eagle.
In 1849, Congress authorized the creation of a $20 gold coin, allowing larger quantities of gold to be represented by fewer individual coins.
The new Double Eagle became useful for banking, international trade and major financial transactions. Although the denomination was authorized in 1849, regular production began in 1850.
For collectors today, the Liberty Head Double Eagle provides a tangible connection to the California Gold Rush and the development of the American financial system.
Who Designed the Liberty Head Double Eagle?
The Liberty Head Double Eagle was designed by James Barton Longacre, who served as Chief Engraver of the United States Mint.
The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Thirteen stars surround her portrait, representing the original thirteen American colonies.
The reverse displays a heraldic eagle holding arrows and an olive branch, symbols traditionally associated with military readiness and peace.
Longacre's classical design remained in production for nearly six decades, making it one of the most recognizable designs in American gold coinage.
The Three Types of Liberty Head Double Eagles
Numismatists divide Liberty Head Double Eagles into three major design types. Understanding these differences is important when identifying, collecting or evaluating historic $20 gold coins.
Type I Liberty Head Double Eagle: No Motto (1850–1866)
The original Liberty Head Double Eagle did not feature the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST."
The reverse displayed the denomination as "TWENTY D."
Type I coins were produced during the California Gold Rush and the American Civil War, making them particularly interesting to collectors of nineteenth-century United States history.
Type II Liberty Head Double Eagle: With Motto (1866–1876)
In 1866, the United States Mint introduced a revised reverse featuring the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" above the eagle.
The denomination remained abbreviated as "TWENTY D."
These coins represent the Reconstruction era and the continuing expansion of American commerce following the Civil War.
Type III Liberty Head Double Eagle: With Motto and Full Denomination (1877–1907)
In 1877, the Mint modified the reverse again, replacing "TWENTY D." with "TWENTY DOLLARS."
The motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" remained above the eagle.
Type III coins were produced during America's industrial expansion and represent the final version of the Liberty Head Double Eagle before its replacement in 1907.
Where Were Liberty Head Double Eagles Minted?
Liberty Head Double Eagles were struck at five United States Mint facilities. Each mint played a role in America's developing monetary system.
- Philadelphia (No Mint Mark): The nation's principal minting facility.
- New Orleans (O): Produced important early Double Eagle issues, including several major rarities.
- San Francisco (S): Played a major role in converting California Gold Rush discoveries into United States coinage.
- Carson City (CC): Produced Double Eagles between 1870 and 1893, with many issues highly sought after by collectors.
- Denver (D): Produced Liberty Head Double Eagles during the final two years of the series, 1906 and 1907.
Mint marks are especially important when determining the collectible value of a Liberty Head Double Eagle. Coins from Carson City and New Orleans often command substantial premiums due to their rarity and historical significance.
What Are the Rarest Liberty Head Double Eagles?
While many Liberty Head Double Eagles survive today, certain dates and mint marks are exceptionally scarce.
Some of the most notable examples include:
1854-O Liberty Head Double Eagle
With an original mintage of just 3,250 coins, the 1854-O is one of the great rarities of the Liberty Head Double Eagle series.
1856-O Liberty Head Double Eagle
Only 2,250 examples were originally minted, making this New Orleans issue highly desirable among advanced gold coin collectors.
1870-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle
The first Double Eagle produced at Carson City had an original mintage of 3,789 coins. Surviving examples are prized for their scarcity and connection to the American West.
1861-S Paquet Reverse Double Eagle
This scarce variety features a modified reverse design associated with Assistant Engraver Anthony C. Paquet.
The rarity of a Liberty Head Double Eagle depends on more than its original mintage. Surviving populations, condition, collector demand and the number of known high-grade examples all influence its numismatic value.
The S.S. Central America and the Famous Shipwreck Gold Coins
One of the most fascinating stories associated with Liberty Head Double Eagles involves the sinking of the S.S. Central America in 1857.
The steamship was transporting passengers and gold from California when it encountered a devastating hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean.
The ship sank with a substantial quantity of gold aboard, and the disaster contributed to financial pressures during the Panic of 1857.
More than a century later, the wreck was discovered and recovery operations brought thousands of historic gold coins to the surface.
Among the recovered coins were 1857-S Liberty Head Double Eagles, many displaying remarkable preservation.
Today, these shipwreck coins remain desirable among collectors because of their historical provenance and direct connection to the California Gold Rush.
Why Did the Liberty Head Double Eagle End in 1907?
By the early twentieth century, President Theodore Roosevelt believed American coinage should reflect greater artistic achievement.
Roosevelt supported a redesign of United States gold coins and collaborated with sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
In 1907, the Liberty Head Double Eagle was replaced by the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, featuring a full-length figure of Liberty holding a torch and olive branch.
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle continued, with modifications, through 1933.
The end of the Liberty Head design marked the conclusion of one of the most important chapters in American gold coinage.
How Much Is a Liberty Head Double Eagle Worth?
The value of a Liberty Head Double Eagle depends on its gold content, date, mint mark, condition, rarity and current market demand.
Each coin contains approximately 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold, providing a substantial intrinsic precious-metal value.
However, not every Liberty Head Double Eagle is valued solely for its gold content.
Collectors may pay additional premiums for scarce dates, desirable mint marks, exceptional preservation and attractive original surfaces.
Factors That Influence Liberty Head Double Eagle Values
- Gold Spot Price: The current market price of gold influences the underlying precious-metal value.
- Date and Mint Mark: Scarce issues often command higher collector premiums.
- Condition and Grade: Well-preserved coins may be worth significantly more than heavily circulated examples.
- Originality: Original surfaces, natural color and attractive eye appeal can influence desirability.
- Certification: Authentication and grading by established third-party services can help buyers evaluate a coin.
- Collector Demand: Market interest in particular dates, varieties and mint facilities affects pricing.
For anyone buying or selling historic United States gold coins, understanding the difference between intrinsic gold value and numismatic value is essential.
Buying Liberty Head Double Eagles and Pre-1933 Gold Coins Online
Collectors throughout the United States can explore historic American gold coins through IDC Coin & Bullion's nationwide online store.
Our IDC Verified Pre-33 Gold collection features collectible United States gold coins, including Liberty Head gold denominations and other classic American designs.
Whether you're interested in a common-date $20 Liberty gold coin, expanding a nineteenth-century gold type set or exploring historic precious metals, IDC Coin & Bullion offers an online destination for American numismatics.
Browse our available inventory to compare dates, mint marks, grades and individual coins. Product selection and availability may change.
IDC Coin & Bullion: Clearwater, Florida Headquarters and 11 Retail Locations
IDC Coin & Bullion is headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, serving the Tampa Bay region while providing access to collectible coins, currency and precious metals through our national e-commerce website.
With 11 retail locations, IDC combines an established physical retail presence with the convenience of shopping for collectible coins online.
For collectors in Clearwater, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Largo, Palm Harbor and surrounding Tampa Bay communities, IDC Coin & Bullion provides a local connection to the wider numismatic marketplace.
Customers outside Florida can browse and purchase eligible products through our online store, making historic American gold coinage accessible to collectors across the United States.
Find information about our retail locations through the IDC Coin & Bullion website.
Selling Liberty Head Double Eagles and Historic Gold Coins
Do you own a Liberty Head Double Eagle, pre-1933 United States gold coin or inherited coin collection?
Before selling, it is important to understand what you have. Two coins with identical gold content can have very different market values depending on their dates, mint marks, condition and rarity.
IDC Coin & Bullion purchases coins and precious metals, including historic United States gold coinage.
Learn more about the types of items we purchase by visiting our What Do We Buy? page.
For collectors and sellers in the Clearwater and Tampa Bay area, our Florida headquarters provides a local point of contact. Customers elsewhere can contact IDC to discuss available buying options before arranging a transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liberty Head Double Eagles
How much gold is in a Liberty Head Double Eagle?
A Liberty Head Double Eagle contains approximately 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold. The coin weighs 33.436 grams and is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper.
Why is the $20 gold coin called a Double Eagle?
The coin is called a Double Eagle because its $20 face value is twice the denomination of the $10 gold Eagle.
When were Liberty Head Double Eagles minted?
The first experimental Liberty Head Double Eagles were struck in 1849. Regular production began in 1850 and continued through 1907.
Who designed the Liberty Head Double Eagle?
James B. Longacre, Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, designed the Liberty Head Double Eagle.
What is the rarest Liberty Head Double Eagle?
The 1849 Double Eagle is an extraordinary rarity, with the known surviving specimen preserved at the Smithsonian Institution. Among regular-issue coins, the 1854-O, 1856-O and 1870-CC are especially important rarities.
Are Liberty Head Double Eagles considered pre-1933 gold?
Yes. All Liberty Head Double Eagles are classified as pre-1933 United States gold coins because they were produced before the major changes to American gold policy during the Great Depression.
Where can I buy Liberty Head Double Eagles online?
Collectors can shop for Liberty Head Double Eagles and other historic American gold coins through IDC Coin & Bullion's online pre-1933 gold collection. IDC is headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, and serves customers nationwide through its e-commerce website.
Where can I sell Liberty Head Double Eagles near Clearwater, Florida?
IDC Coin & Bullion, headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, purchases historic United States gold coins and other precious metals. Sellers in the Tampa Bay area can contact IDC to discuss their coins and arrange an appropriate buying appointment.
Does IDC Coin & Bullion sell gold coins outside Florida?
Yes. IDC Coin & Bullion operates a nationwide online store, allowing customers throughout the United States to browse and purchase eligible collectible coins, gold bullion and other precious metals.
Explore America's Gold Coin History with IDC Coin & Bullion
From the California Gold Rush to the dawn of the twentieth century, the Liberty Head Double Eagle played an important role in American monetary history.
Its classic design, substantial gold content and historical significance continue to attract collectors and precious metals enthusiasts.
At IDC Coin & Bullion, we connect collectors with historic American coinage through our Clearwater, Florida headquarters, 11 retail locations and nationwide online store.
Ready to explore pre-1933 American gold coins?
Visit our IDC Verified Pre-33 Gold collection to browse available Liberty Head gold coins and other historic United States gold pieces.
