1891-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS MS62

Here's a great candidate for a type coin from the 19th century. The Liberty head double eagle has always been popular with collectors, and here's one in a very collectible grade that won't break the bank. PCGS has graded 2,621 in MS62 with 1,357 finer.

The 1849 Liberty Head pattern coin designed by James B. Longacre. It is part of the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

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. Within the stars are found 13 stars. 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.