1860 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS AU58 (CAC)

This is the final antebellum issue struck before the Civil War ravaged our nation (1861-1865). An attractive, well-struck example, this 1860 Double Eagle would be an interesting historic artifact to add to you numismatic holdings, one that would serve well as a type coin. PCGS has graded 118 in AU58 with 112 finer. In CAC, there are 39 in AU58 with 26 finer.

Original drawing by James B. Longacre of his post-Civil War revised reverse design, with an early version of the motto: 'OUR TRUST IS IN GOD.'

The obverse of the Type One $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.