1876-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS MS61

This attractive example, which was struck during our nation's Centennial year of 1876, would be the perfect addition to your collection. PCGS has graded 1,754 as MS61 with 1,003 finer. Collectors Universe has priced this issue at $3,750.00 in MS61.

Self portrait of James B. Longacre (from 1845), the US Mint Chief Engraver who designed and engraved the famous Liberty Head double eagle. Image: Wikimedia Commons.

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.