1861 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS AU58

Civil War Era Gold!

Here's a historic issue from the first year of the U.S. Civil War. This piece would be an excellent type coin for your collection. Gold specialist Doug Winter tells us, "I’d rank Civil War gold as one of the more popular ultra-specialties in American numismatics." PCGS has graded 479 as AU58 with 603 finer. Collector’s Universe gives this issue a price of $4,500.00 in AU58.

The Second Philadelphia Mint, where this piece was struck in 1861. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

This issue is quite well-struck. Some pieces have weakness in Liberty’s hair; however, details are much sharper than what is typically seen on San Francisco Mint issues of this time period. The details on the reverse of this issue are excellent, with some weakness appearing on the wing tips and tail feathers. This specimen has excellent eye-appeal, for there are more attractive 1861 double eagles than any other non-shipwreck issue in the entire Type One series.