Liberty Head Double Eagle ($20) Value
1849–1907 · $20 · 90% gold, 10% copper
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $1,800 |
| Good (G-4) | $1,900 |
| Fine (F-12) | $2,000 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $2,500 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $7,500 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $37,500 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1849 | Unique pattern coin in Smithsonian — priceless | Priceless (unique) |
| 1861 Paquet Reverse | Tall lettering reverse — very rare Philadelphia issue | $100,000–$500,000 |
| 1870-CC | First Carson City double eagle | $50,000–$500,000 |
| 1856-O | Only 2,250 struck — rare New Orleans date | $20,000–$150,000 |
| 1907 | Final year of Liberty design | $1,900–$3,000 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- James B. Longacre
- Years
- 1849–1907
- Denomination
- $20
- Composition
- 90% gold, 10% copper
- Diameter
- 34 mm
- Weight
- 33.44 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Liberty Head Double Eagle ($20): History & Background
The Liberty Head Double Eagle was the largest regular-issue US gold coin, containing nearly one troy ounce (0.9675 oz) of pure gold. First struck in 1849 following the California Gold Rush, the $20 denomination was created to handle the massive influx of gold from the western mines. The design features Liberty wearing a coronet on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse. Three major subtypes exist: Type 1 (1849–1866) without motto, Type 2 (1866–1876) with IN GOD WE TRUST and TWENTY D, and Type 3 (1877–1907) with TWENTY DOLLARS spelled out. The coin was replaced by Augustus Saint-Gaudens' famous design in 1907.
How to Grade a Liberty Head Double Eagle ($20)
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →