1897 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS MS62

Attractive, collectible piece in mint state. Perhaps this example could serve as a gold type coin in your collection. In its grade of MS62, the 1897 $20 Liberty head is a more affordable option for the numismatist. PCGS has graded 8,597 examples as MS62, with 3,590 finer. Collectors Universe gives this issue a price of $2,650.00 in MS62.

Self-portrait of James B. Longacre, the artist-engraver who crafted this beautiful coin. 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 DOLLARS surround the bird at the coin's rim.