1869-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS MS62 (CAC)

1869-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS MS62 (CAC) - A Great Conditional Rarity!

     It is with pleasure that we at AUCM present for your consideration an 1869-S $20 Liberty gold piece graded PCGS MS62 (CAC). While several dates in the Type Two Liberty double eagle series (1866-1876) have comparatively large mintages, type coins are difficult to point out because there are no easily available dates such as in other types within the series. The 1869-S may be a good candidate for a type coin in circulated grades; however in the offered grade of MS62 it is a conditional rarity par excellence, as well as a registry coin.

     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.