1888 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS MS63

Registry Set Candidate!

Attractive choice example of an issue that is common up to the grade of MS62. However, in the grade of MS63 it is an excellent candidate for a Registry Set. PCGS has graded 32 as MS63 with 9 finer, while NGC has awarded the choice grade of MS63 to 7 examples with only 7 finer.

The Second Philadelphia Mint, where this beauty was struck in 1888.

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 DOLLARS surround the bird at the coin's rim.