1859-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS AU55 (CAC)

Here’s a collectible example of a pre-Civil War issue of the Liberty head double eagle that will save you money over the price of a mint state piece. Look at the photos of this attractive coin. If you are in the market for a gold type coin from the 1850s, well then this one might fit the bill! PCGS has graded 73 specimens as AU55 with 124 finer. In CAC, there are 33 in AU55 with 44 finer. Collectors Universe lists the price for an 1859-S Double Eagle in AU55 as $5,000.

James B. Longacre, the artist-engraver who gave us the popular Liberty Head double eagle design. Photo: wikipedia.

The obverse of the $20 Double Eagle features a left-facing Liberty design influenced by Greco-Roman sculpture. A pearl-encrusted coronet inscribed with “Liberty” adorns her wavy hair, which flows down her neck. Thirteen stars that represent the original colonies/states surround her bust. The date is found below the image of Liberty.

The reverse presents Longacre's exaggerated design, featuring a heraldic eagle, one that is quite different from eagles previously found upon our coinage. Dramatic rays emanate from the national bird, and a circle of 13 stars is found hovering over the eagle. Two contrived ribbons encircle the awkward creature, one of which the eagle holds firmly in its beak. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is split between the two ribbons. A federal shield is found on its breast and arrows and the ivy branch of peace are found, respectively, in its right and left talons. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and TWENTY D. surround the bird at the coin's rim.