1892-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS MS63 (CAC)

Here’s an attractive and popular San Francisco Mint issue from the late 19th century that could be the newest addition to your collection. PCGS has graded 858 as MS63 with 248 finer. Collectors Universe prices this issue at $5,000 in MS63. In CAC, there are 40 in MS63 with 42 finer.

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

Upon the passing of Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, who crafted the beautiful Liberty head design for the double eagle and other gold coins, Mint Director Henry Linderman spoke to the workmen and officers at the U.S. Mint. 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. His refined nature, however, appeared to avoid the sharp conflicts of life, and he sought, in quiet devotion to art, a congenial field for the exercise of his powers, and in it he achieved a success sufficient to satisfy a reasonable ambition. 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. Mr. Longacre was a man of strong religious faith, and adorned that faith by his daily walk and conversation. Like all truly great and good men, he was modest in deportment. His official duties were performed with a faithfulness worthy of all commendation 5 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.