1903-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle NGC MS62

Here’s a desirable piece to add to your collection. Perhaps it could serve as a type coin. Please take a look at the photos of this attractive coin. NGC has graded 2,671 as MS62 with 1,806 finer. Collector’s Universe prices this issue at $3,000.00 in MS62.

The Old San Francisco Mint, where this piece was struck in 1903. Photo: 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 cluster 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.