1877-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS MS61

Here’s an attractive piece to add to your collection. Perhaps it could serve as a gold type coin, one that you will enjoy for many years to come. PCGS has graded 991 examples as MS61 with 515 finer. Collectors Universe prices this issue at $3,250.00 in MS61.

Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, who created the Liberty head design. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Upon the passing of Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, who crafted the beautiful Liberty head design for the double eagle, Mint Director Henry Linderman spoke to the workmen and officers at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. He said, in part,

Mr. Longacre, my friends, was no ordinary man. His talents were of a high order, and would, with his industrious and frugal habits, have enabled him to achieve success and distinction in any professional or business career .… He reached by merit alone the honorable position of engraver of the National Mint, and so discharged its duties for a period of a quarter of a century as to command the continued confidence of the government and the public…. His official duties were performed with a faithfulness worthy of all commendation whilst his intercourse with his brother officers and subordinates was characterized by dignity, frankness, and urbanity, and the utmost kindness. After a long and useful life, and with faculties unimpaired, our friend passed peacefully and contented to his rest. Let us ever cherish his memory, and strive to emulate his virtues.